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"Will your body be less fatty next year than it is right now? If you&amp;#039;d actually like to answer that question, check out the new scales that measure not only your weight but the percentage of fat in your body composition. We tested seven scales and compared their results with those of the Bod Pod, a $32,000 machine that&amp;#039;s the medical benchmark. All seven overestimated body fat -- but they came a lot closer than the caliper method (favored by many health clubs), which was off by 50 percent. &amp;quot;These scales, even pricey ones, aren&amp;#039;t absolutely accurate,&amp;quot; says GH Institute Technical Director John Kupsch. &amp;quot;But they can track whether your body fat is fluctuating over time.&amp;quot; And price is on your side: The most accurate of those we tested is also the most affordable: Taylor Body Fat Analyzer &amp;amp;amp; Scale ($49.99) at Target stores.  Here are the complete results of the test:  Accuracy  We compared each scale&amp;#039;s reading to the Bod Pod results. Here, in order of accuracy:   Taylor 5553 ($49.99) Terraillon TFA-20 ($79.99)  Terraillon TFA-10 ($69.99)  Terraillon TFX-30 ($89.99)  Sharper Image TN420 ($99.95)  Thinner MS-2500 ($59.95)  Tanita BF-625 ($69.95)   Interpreting the Numbers Body fat percentage is more than a number. By indicating what percentage of your actual weight is composed of fat, it reveals important information about your health status. WOMEN Age 20 to 39: Low (underfat) = &amp;amp;lt;21 Average (healthy) = 21 to 33 High (overfat) = 33 to 39 Obese = &amp;amp;gt;39 Age 40 to 59: Low (underfat) = &amp;amp;lt;23 Average (healthy) = 23 to 35 High (overfat) = 35 to 40 Obese = &amp;amp;gt;40 Age 60 to 79: Low (underfat) = &amp;amp;lt;24 Average (healthy) = 24 to 36 High (overfat) = 36 to 42 Obese = &amp;amp;gt;42 MEN Age 20 to 39: Low (underfat) = &amp;amp;lt;8 Average (healthy) = 8 to 19 High (overfat) = 19 to 25 Obese = &amp;amp;gt;25 Age 40 to 59: Low (underfat) = &amp;amp;lt;11 Average (healthy) = 11 to 22 High (overfat) = 22 to 27 Obese = &amp;amp;gt;27 Age 60 to 79: Low (underfat) = &amp;amp;lt;13 Average (healthy) = 13 to 25 High (overfat) = 25 to 30 Obese = &amp;amp;gt;30 Source: St. Luke&amp;#039;s Obesity Research Center, New York City; based on NIH/WHO BMI Guidelines, Gallagher et al. Am J Clin Nut 2000; 72:694-701 We also evaluated the body fat scales for durability or quality of construction and ease of use. For durability and construction, we tested each scale&amp;#039;s ability to survive a drop test, resist skidding and tipping, and function after being exposed to moisture. Of all the units, we found the Tanita 625 had the highest durability rating and had the best overall construction.  For ease of use, we evaluated each scale&amp;#039;s ability to allow the user to set up and use the product quickly and correctly. We found that the Tanita 625 was the easiest to use, mostly because of its excellent instruction book.  Here are the complete results of the tests:  Accuracy (compared to the Bod Pod) 1. Taylor 2. TFA 20 3. TFA 10 4. TFX 30 5. Sharper Image 6. Thinner 7. Tanita Durability 1. Tanita  2. TFA 10 3. Taylor  4. Sharper Image  5. TFX 30 6. Thinner 7. TFA 20 Ease of Use 1. Tanita 2. Sharper Image 4. Taylor 5. TFA 10 6. TFX 30 7. TFA 20 Models tested: Taylor 5553, Terraillon TFA-20, Terraillon TFA-10, Terraillon TFX-30, Sharper Image TN420, Thinner MS-2500, Tanita BF-625 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health-products/a1538/body-fat-scales-jan03/?src=shelter_footer>