Buyer’s Guide: Weighing scales for slimming groups
Marsden’s range of stand-on slimming scales are used by some of the best known slimming groups in the UK.
Though the purpose of weight loss scales is the same for each slimming group, the needs of each group may vary.
Some would prefer a portable scale they can take anywhere with them, others would prefer a more permanent fixture, while body composition scales benefit some slimming group members who not only want to see changes to their weight, but appreciate that a change in diet and exercise plan can affect a wide range of body health measures.
All Marsden scales for slimming groups are easy to use, but there are many to choose from and the right slimming scale will depend on what features and benefits matter to you.
But which slimming scale do you need? This blog post is here to help.
Take the scale wherever you need
The Marsden M-560 and Marsden M-565 are designed for portability. Both can fit in the back of even the smallest boot and both are available with optional carry case.
Our most popular weighing scale for slimming groups is the M-560: used by more slimming groups in the UK than any other scale.
The M-560 weighs in metric and imperial. It has a full numeric keypad, so BMI can easily calculated. Weight, height and BMI are shown simultaneously on the displays. It has a 250kg capacity and weighs to the nearest 200g.
The M-565 also weighs in 200g increments to 250kg. This scale’s indicator features a large, bright display. It can be powered by 6x AA batteries (which will provide upto 180 hours of use), or by mains via the adaptor supplied.
A comprehensive picture of body health
The MBF-6000 is a Class III Approved body composition scale. As a body composition scale it means not only weight and BMI measurements, but Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Total Body Water (TBW), Fat Free Mass (FFM), Fat Mass (FM), Body Fat %, Muscle Mass (MM), Protein Mass (PM), Extracellular Water (ECW), Intracellular Water (ICW), Skeletal Muscle (SM), Visceral Fat Area Level (VFA) and Metabolic Age (AGEM).
Nutritionist Lisa Patient said, “This was for accurate weight measurements up to 300kg and body composition analysis, particularly fat percentage. I use this to motivate customers to lose weight and make healthier diet choices.
“The scales also needed to be portable, and having a printer is really useful and saves time, as it means I don’t have to write the results down.
“I give everyone a copy of their reading at every consultation, and a handout explaining what the figures mean on their first visit. People respond better to hard data, and they really like the printouts.
“It is very easy to set up and input the patient’s details. I use the scale to motivate patients to improve their muscle to fat ratio as well as losing overall weight. Sometimes if a patient begins a strenuous exercise regime they gain muscle and lose fat, but then are confused when their total body weight is the same - the scales help me to explain this.”
The MBF-6010 also provides these measurements. The indicator for this scale is column mounted, so it is easy to operate and see the readings, and is used as a more permanent fixture for slimming groups.
All of the scales mentioned above are backed by four year warranty, which is double the industry standard.
Our most affordable slimming group scale
For measuring weight, height and BMI, the M-150 is our most affordable gym scale. Perfect for weighing members up to 300kg, it features a height measure and BMI calculation function for easy assessment of whether a person is underweight, overweight or a healthy weight.
Powered by rechargeable battery, this scale can be used anywhere, regardless of where plug sockets are located - and readings are shown on a bright red LED display.
Kelly Colliver, Deputy Manager at the Holiday Inn Gym, Rotherham told Marsden, “We have left our original scales in the gym along the M-150, but more people are using the M-150 now. Most people who visit the gym weigh themselves after they’ve had a work out - and people find it easy to use.
Should slimming groups use Class III Approved scales?
Class III Approved scales are types of weighing scales that are legal for use in the process of monitoring, diagnosis and treating patients. Approved scales are used by hospitals, GP surgeries and clinics.
Because Class III scales undergo an extensive testing programme to ensure they deliver accurate and repeatable readings, these types of scales are perfect for slimming groups.
M-560 and M-565 do not carry Class III certification, since they are able to weigh in st and lb - which Class III Approved scales must not do. However they are based on Class III Approved scales - the M-510 and M-545 respectively.
You can browse our full range of slimming scales here. For more guidance in choosing the right slimming scale, read our ‘What scales do slimming groups use?’ blog post. For more information about any of our weighing scales, call 01709 364296 or contact us here.