Review: Withings Body Comp

We at senses have previously reviewed several products from French Withings, a brand specializing in smart health products and wearables – a key area of interest for our editorial team. Now, we turn our attention to a highly requested and widely used product from their lineup: the Withings Body Comp. This smart scale may resemble a standard bathroom scale at first glance, but it incorporates advanced technology to provide insightful health data.

As expected, the design is sleek, elegant, and functional. The scale is powered by four included AAA batteries, offering extended battery life (dependent on usage frequency). Pairing with the app is seamless, a standard feature we’ve come to appreciate from Withings. While a bathroom scale might not be a prominent display piece like other tech gadgets, the Body Comp boasts an aesthetic that warrants visibility. Its glossy, almost mirror-like surface – particularly the black model we tested – tends to show footprints and smudges, so damp feet are recommended for optimal measurements.

The Withings Body Comp utilizes pressure sensors and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure various body composition parameters beyond just weight, which is displayed almost instantly. It supports multiple user profiles, selectable by shifting your weight to one side. While this method functions adequately, it’s not always perfect, as the measurement may default to the primary profile if the change isn’t detected quickly enough. Key metrics are displayed on the scale’s monochrome screen (a color screen version is also available for enhanced visual clarity), but the Withings health app provides the most comprehensive overview and trend analysis. The app also incorporates gamified elements, such as achievement badges, and premium features accessible via subscription.

Withings Body Comp: Measurement Capabilities

Beyond weight (measured with one-decimal-place precision), the Withings Body Comp provides a range of additional measurements. These include a weight trend indicator (showing weight gain or loss and the specific difference from the last measurement in kilograms), body fat and muscle mass percentages, pulse rate, Nerve Health Score (discussed below), outdoor weather and air quality data, and Pulse Wave Velocity – a measure of arterial stiffness in milliseconds. Let’s delve deeper into some of the most significant metrics:

Weight, measured in kilograms, is straightforward. The Withings Body Comp offers comparable precision to devices like the Huawei Body Fat Scale that we’ve previously tested. Similarly, the percentage breakdown of muscle and fat mass is a well-established metric used to inform lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, to promote muscle growth and fat reduction. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, which can be tracked within the Withings app or via platforms like Google Fit (available for free).

It’s important to analyze these results over an extended period. Individual measurements can fluctuate without necessarily indicating a cause for concern.

Pulse tracking is valuable for general health monitoring. A healthy individual typically exhibits a resting pulse between 70 and 90 beats per minute. While a range of 50-100 bpm is generally considered acceptable, values approaching the extremes warrant attention and potentially consultation with a healthcare professional regarding lifestyle modifications or other interventions. The measurement should be taken at rest, avoiding periods immediately following exercise or exertion.

Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) employs a low-intensity electrical signal to measure the speed at which it travels through the body. A higher velocity (measured in m/s) indicates stiffer arteries. Ideally, arteries should be flexible and elastic. Factors such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, poor diet, stress, and substance use can negatively impact arterial health, in addition to the natural aging process. An optimal PWV for an adult male is approximately 6 m/s. During our testing period, our PWV ranged from 7 to 8.5 m/s, approaching the 9 m/s threshold that signals potential concern. Attributing the change to a single factor is challenging; however, stress emerged as a significant contributor, correlating with elevated resting pulse measurements.

Nerve Health Score (NHS) is a Withings-exclusive metric currently available only in the EU and on the Body Comp model. It provides an assessment of the overall health of the autonomic, peripheral nervous system. Further technical details are available here. In essence, the technology stimulates sweat glands in the feet with electrical impulses to evaluate potential neuropathy – a general term for conditions affecting the peripheral nerves, which can affect individuals with predisposing factors or long-term diabetes. Autonomic nerve pathways extending into the feet are often the first affected by disease, making this an early indicator of potential issues. The result is displayed as a visual representation on the color version of the scale. Withings+ subscribers also receive a numerical score (ideally above 50). While the free version of the app offers valuable functionality, the enhanced insights provided by Withings+ may justify the approximately 100 SEK monthly subscription fee when investing in a product of this caliber.

All measurements can be compiled into a PDF report for sharing with healthcare providers. Withings asserts that its equipment adheres to medically approved standards.

Nutritional Guidance and Health Maintenance Tips

For insights into dietary recommendations, we suggest exploring the YouTube channel of Swedish former elite athlete and vegetarian, Dr Sten Ekberg, who provides well-researched and accessible content on the subject. For broader perspectives on health, exercise, routines, and supplements for healthy aging, consider Bryan Johnson‘s channel, which presents data-driven information regarding aging and health. Sleep, a widely discussed topic, remains a critical factor for both mental and physical well-being – prioritize it, even if it necessitates a less “rock ‘n roll” lifestyle.

A Disclaimer…

While we at senses are passionate about health, we are not medical professionals. The information presented here should not substitute professional medical advice. Proactive health monitoring is generally beneficial, but excessive focus on individual measurements can lead to health anxiety, particularly in those with pre-existing vulnerabilities. Therefore, utilize these tools judiciously as a complement to a healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-ups, especially as you age.

Summary: Withings Body Comp

It’s challenging to identify significant drawbacks with the Withings Body Comp, especially considering its competitive pricing. This is a stylish and intelligent product, complemented by a capable app that we’ll revisit in a future Withings review. Questions remain regarding the precision and scientific basis of certain measurements. While an “OK” Nerve Health Score is reassuring, more granular detail would be valuable – specifically, a precise position on the scale. For individuals seeking a reliable bathroom scale with advanced health insights, or those entering an age where regular health monitoring is prudent, the Withings Body Comp presents a compelling and versatile option.

Withings provided review samples for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are always conducted with a focus on the reader and consumer.