The Withings Body Scan Connected Health Station has received the coveted green light from the FDA and is poised to make its debut this fall. This smart scale, which garnered acclaim from Engadget’s Daniel Cooper during earlier testing, offers a robust set of features. However, its $400 price tag has been described as a luxury many may not deem necessary.
Originally announced at CES 2022, the Body Scan was initially priced at $300. However, it encountered a delay in FDA approval and had to contend with the challenges posed by inflation and a semiconductor crisis, which contributed to its higher price point.
Despite the cost, the Withings Body Scan offers a wealth of capabilities. It holds the distinction of being the first FDA-approved health station capable of detecting atrial fibrillation through a six-lead ECG. Furthermore, it conducts a thorough analysis of segmented body composition, measures nerve activity, and monitors vascular age. It even employs Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) to monitor foot sweat levels as a screening method for signs of neuropathy.
Engadget’s firsthand experience with the device found the process to be straightforward and effortless. Users simply step on the scale, hold the grab handle at pelvis height, and wait for 90 seconds while it performs a battery of tests, measuring parameters such as weight, body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat, ECG, Pulse Wave Velocity, vascular age, and nerve health. The results are presented in a clear and easily readable format, complete with the day’s weather forecast and an air quality indicator based on online data.
The Body Scan is constructed with a tempered glass platform and features an integrated retractable handle. It boasts four weight sensors, 14 ITP electrodes on the scale, and four stainless steel electrodes in the handle. Remarkably, the device’s battery is projected to last for a full 12 months before requiring a recharge. Users can view their metrics on a 3.2-inch color LCD display. The scale’s weight measurements are precise to within 0.1 lbs, and it also calculates Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).
The Withings Body Scan Connected Health Station is set to hit the market in September at a price of $400. While the cost may be deemed extravagant by some, its extensive array of health-monitoring features and FDA approval signal a promising advancement in the realm of smart scales and connected health devices.
