Withings Body Cardio
A wave of extra data for fitness fans
£140 from Withings, withings.com/uk MEASURES Weight, fat, muscle, bone and water mass, pulse wave velocity, air quality
The successor to the WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer sports a leaner physique of its own, and measures more about yours.
It also retains the WS-50’s clear display that warns if you’re leaning during a weigh-in.
The Body Cardio (and the £100 Body introduced with it) check your water percentage (a disappointing omission on the WS-50), plus muscle and bone mass. Results appeared consistent and reliable, and we saw only 0.1kg variation between the Cardio and the WS-50 – the smallest amount they log. Fat mass always showed as a few percent less on the Cardio.
Exclusive to the Cardio is Pulse Wave Velocity, which tracks the vibration along your arteries when your heart beats, as an indication of arterial elasticity; rigid might mean you’re at risk. Measurements appear only in the Health Mate iOS app. Our results were as expected from our diabetes check-ups and stats that are trivial to judge. Advice that a weight loss programme might help our condition seemed basic, but the app details directly related lifestyle factors.
We’re not so keen on the use of an integrated battery, though it matters little day to day.