Ranking scales to help control your weight

PHILADELPHIA - January 19, 2010 (WPVI) -- With 2/3 of Americans overweight, the United States ranks in the top three countries for obesity. While there's a lot that factors into getting your weight in check, health experts say weighing yourself regularly is key. Consumer Reports just tested bathroom scales to see how they measure up.

Regular exercise is an essential component of keeping weight in check. And weighing yourself routinely helps keep you in check.

"I actually follow an eating regiment and an exercise plan," says Allen Aranzamendez, a Personal Trainer. "So based on what that number is on the scale, I can determine what I'm going to be later on that week as far as exercising and eating."

Consumer Reports tested 11 bathroom scales ranging in price from $18 to $65. Included were digital scales, ones with dials, and even a solar-powered scale. Some even have memory features.

"The $30 Weight Watchers scale remembers your last five weigh-ins. And (a) $35 dollar one from Healthometer can remember the last reading for two people," says Nicole Sarrubbo of Consumer Reports.

It will even calculate the difference!

To test the scales, nearly a dozen panelists first weighed in on a calibrated standard lab scale. Then they stepped on each of the scales in a random order. Turns out the dial scales didn't measure up.

"We found that the dial scales weren't nearly as accurate as the digital ones," Sarrubbo said. "In some of our tests, they were as much as seven to 11 pounds off the mark."

All the digital scales performed well, with seven rating excellent. After weighing the options, Consumer Reports top-rated the $35 Taylor Glass Electronic Scale, model number 7506.

Consumer Reports says whichever scale you choose, to ensure accuracy be sure to use it on a hard, level surface. And for consistency it's also important to weigh yourself at the same time, first thing in the morning. That's because your weight can fluctuate throughout the day, depending on what you've had to eat.

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