Where To Get It
A Deep Dive Into FitBit Aria 2
If you are looking for a bathroom scale that reads BMI, the Fitbit Aria 2 consistently comes up in the top five smart scales.
The scale can sync your results into your Fitbit App and convert the data into an easy to read graph. You don’t need to own a Fitbit to love this scale but you do need to download the Fitbit App to save the data.
The scale is stylish and looks good in any room, but you will want to keep it in a consistent place and weigh yourself at the same time whether you weigh yourself daily, once a week, or monthly. The Aria 2 is powered by 3 AAA batteries that are included with the scale. The scale can handle up to 400 pounds.
Fitbit Aria 2 accurately measures your weight and BMI.
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Pros
Cons
If you like Fitbit products that have been in the forefront for over ten years, this smart scale is a good investment. You can get motivated by managing your weight and BMI levels.
Fitbit Aria 2 is a good tool to help you create a healthier lifestyle, especially if you like gadgets.
I like the scale with bioimpedance analysis more than I do my standard BMI calculation using a mathematical formula or calipers.
Many people like Fitbit products and reliability, their support and Fitbit community with wide use indicate this.
There are times when more is better.
What is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index which is a measurement of a person’s weight relative to their height.
There are additional calculations to adjust for gender and age. Such a calculation can be found on the site https://www.smartbmicalculator.com/ but Fitbit Aria 2 can do the calculation for you using a more accurate method than just a number calculation.
If your BMI is below 18.5 you are considered underweight, 18.5-24.9 normal weight, 25-29.9 overweight, and 30+ and obese.
Body Mass Index (BMI) | Weight Status |
Below 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 24.9 | Normal |
25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
30.0 plus | Obese |
Smart scales generally use something called Bioimpedance to calculate BMI.
You may find slight variations in your BMI day-to-day but you need to consider the longer-term trends like weeks and months.What is Bioimpedance?
Bioimpedance measures body fat, total body water, and other advanced metrics to determine a person's BMI.
Bioimpedance is the response of a living organism (you can weigh your cat too) to an externally applied electric current. It is a measure of the opposition to the flow of electric current through the tissues, the opposite of electrical conductivity.
The device sends a small current of electricity through your body. According to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, up to 60% of the human adult body is water. So to get an accurate level you need to be hydrated.
Note: Bioelectric impedance analysis is not recommended for pregnant women, not because it is dangerous but because of dynamic physiological changes in the body of pregnant women.
All smart scales that use bioimpedance readings are not recommended for people who use pacemakers, however, that too has not been conclusively researched.
The Aria 2 is powered by 3 AAA batteries that are included with the scale. The scale can handle up to 400 pounds. The Scale comes in Black and White. It measures 1.3 by 12.3 by 12.3 inches
Set-Up
Set up is relatively easy, especially if you already have a Fitbit account, and even if you don’t. One person in the family needs to set it up from their account and up to 7 others can track their weight privately from their smartphones or computers.
If you are not one of the 8 people registered the scale will work but will not save the data.
The scale comes with batteries so simply pull out the plastic protection tab to start using. If you need to replace the batteries they are easy to find, it is not like you have to buy a special battery.
If you are a Fitbit user just add the scale on your account, if not create an account and add the scale device. You should be prompted by the app.
It takes a few seconds to get a complete reading, this is typical in smart scales. You do not have to keep standing on the scale while it syncs.
What if I don’t have a Fitbit App already in my smartwatch or phone?
Depending on your phone you can either download the App via third party. iPhone users can use Apple Health, for instance, and Fitbit has great tech support if you need help. Sometimes you may need to sync initially through a notebook computer.
Your body fat percentages fluctuate during the day and changes based on your hydration level and what you eat.
It is suggested that you weigh yourself first thing in the morning after you have gone to the bathroom, without eating, drinking, or exercising.
Dress lightly and measure barefoot. If you are holding a heavy object your body fat percentage may vary.
If you turn Lean mode on or off, your body fat percentage can be altered.
For best results, remember to program in your gender, height, and age in your FitBit profile.
