What technique allows smart scales to estimate body composition metrics?
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
The capability of smart scales to measure metrics beyond simple mass, such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, and water content, relies on a specialized technique called Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, or BIA. This process involves sending a very mild, imperceptible electrical current across the user's body, typically through the feet when standing on the scale platform. Different body tissues—specifically fat, water, and muscle—conduct electricity with varying degrees of resistance, known as impedance. The scale's internal algorithm measures this impedance as the current travels up one leg and down the other. By analyzing how much resistance the current encounters, the system can then mathematically estimate the relative proportion of these different tissues contributing to the total measured weight, providing a comprehensive view of body recomposition rather than just total mass.
