With two-thirds of Americans overweight, the U.S. ranks in the top three countries for obesity.
Consumer Reports just tested 11 bathroom scales to see how they measure up. They ranged 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 one from Healthometer can remember the last reading for two people. It will even calculate the difference!
To test the scales, almost a dozen panelists first weighed in on a calibrated standard lab scale. Then they stepped on each of the scales in random order.
It turns out that the dial scales didn't measure up. They weren't nearly as accurate as the digital ones. In some of the tests, they were as much as seven to 11 pounds off the mark.
All of the digital scales performed well, with seven rating excellent. After weighing the options, Consumer Reports top-rated the $35 Taylor Glass Electronic Scale model 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.
