Scales that measure muscle - any recommendations?

[Shetlands]

As I'm getting older, I feel like I've lost muscle mass so I'd like to buy some scales that will tell me my percentage of muscle.

There are lots available and I'm seeing them range from about £50 - £350.

Please could anyone recommend a good one (UK) under £200?

Renpho scales do... Here's a screenshot of my health status on the app that's linked to the scales

The only reliable way is a DEXA scan or to get someone who knows how to do the calliper measurements for body fat and then calculate it from that. Scales that supposedly measure body fat/muscle mass are not very accurate because they rely on your hydration levels.
I’d probably invest the money in a PT and do some exercise to at least maintain your muscle mass.

Thank you @Sunrisewatcher ! I don't understand how you can have a BMI of 25 and be classed as obese - is it to do with your low skeletal muscle versus high body fat?

I have Yolanda, they are not as accurate as a proper scan but are useful to track yourself. About £25 on Amazon and you download the app and each person can track their own weight.

Thanks - I read that you're supposed to do it first thing before you've had a drink and stick to that time. A DEXA scan would cost a lot I imagine so I'd rather go for a scale that gives me a rough calculation and then work from there so I can see improvements over time.

I probably do need a PT but for now I'm doing HIT and some weights (need to do more!).

It's the body fat that was obese and its down to low muscle mass and high subcutaneous and body fat levels. My bmi is 25.6, my muscle mass is 46% my subcutaneous fat is 21% my body fat is 24%. My scales are like renpho from amazon cost £13

I've got a renpho scale too, I've had it for over 5 years and it's been great. It's very consistent in its readings so I figure it's accurate in that way - whatever it's sensing, it's measuring the same thing every time at least!

(32% body fat is the boundary between acceptable and obese, on mine)

This is my app, and you can see a graph of each of those readings over time, too.

For those who have a scale like this, do you see the figures move over time in terms of body fat/muscle mass?

I’m quite tempted to get one.

Yes I would say that would be why I'm classed as obese... For clarity I'm a 5'2", 61 year old female, had a full surgical hysterectomy 12 years ago but only started HRT 3 years ago after years of battling for and being refused it. I've suffered awful menopause symptoms and now my hands and other joints are riddled with crippling osteoarthritis. Sorry for going off topic but it's one of the main reasons I bought these scales... To keep a record of my stats Inc bone density - I was refused a bone density scan on the NHS 2 years ago as I was classed as not going or gone through 'early menopause'. 🙄

My bone mass is classed as low on my scales. Do you have any advice on how to increase it? Is it with resistance exercise?

Yes, on the Renpho scales you just click on 'Trends' and you can see the full history of your measurements and stats...

Interesting and useful replies - thank you!

I'm not sure but I have a GP appointment tomorrow to query exactly this. I'll let you know what they say 🤔

I really should do more resistance exercises to help build up muscle strength. I try to keep generally fit by eating healthy (cooking from scratch and avoiding processed foods) and walk on average 15-20,000 steps per day.

Oh and if you click on each measurement on the app it gives lots more info on how to tackle unhealthy readings 👌

Thanks but I have different scales and app to you and it doesn't explain bone density. I do know about increasing muscle with exercise but wasn't sure about bone density. I vaguely remember people saying after menopause to ensure you have a calcium rich diet for bones.
I don't exercise at all and have an office job, lucky to get 3k steps a day but I do DIY and live alone so always cleaning, gardening and lifting etc, everything in the house I do myself and I work fulltime and drive 2-3hrs a day for work (used to drive further) and have for almost 12 years, so have strong leg muscles too.

Yes- resistance exercise helps increase bone density because of the mechanical stress that is put on the bones when muscles are contracting. This stress stimulates bone growth. You can do bodyweight exercises, free weights, weight machines or resistance bands. If you can buy weights or bands to have at home, there are loads of workouts on YouTube.

Apologies I meant to post about bone density...

Thank you, appreciate it. This is roughly what I know about bone density. I also have a resistance machine at home a cross trainer so will start using that when I start maintenance. I'm 4lbs away from normal bmi.

I would be very wary about using scales to track bone density, my scales tell me my bone density is excellent but I know from a DEXA that I have osteopenia. There's an episode of the sliced bread podcast which looks into smart scales and the evidence for how they work which is worth a listen.

GPs are often not great at recommending exercise - mine just put me on calcium tablets which aren't recommended by the Royal Osteoporosis Society except if on medication or as a top up if you can't get enough dietary calcium.

I'd recommend Brick House Bones as a good resource on bone density and fracture prevention - you want to build up to lifting heavy weights and high impact exercises. Working on balance and flexibility is also important to reduce fall risk. Short but frequent bursts of bone-building stimulus is most effective and there's a surprising amount that can be done from home.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026ngn

Thank you for posting that podcast. Just listening now... Interesting to hear that a higher BMI reading for older people could be a perfectly normal and healthy BMI reading for that person.
To be honest, I don't pay too much attention to the smart scales reading other than use it for tracking any unusual fluctuations in any one parameter.