The best bathroom scales

A variety of bathroom scales.

Is losing weight one of your resolutions for 2016? Research shows stepping on the scale frequently can be an effective motivator to help you shed weight and keep it off. But today’s devices do so much more than simply display pounds.

Consumer Reports tested six scales which not only measure weight but also things like body mass index and fat.

"These scales work by passing a very small electrical current through your body. Electrical current passes differently through fat and muscle and based on the amount of current, they can determine your body composition," says Bernie Dietrick, the man who conducted the testing for Consumer Reports.

To verify accuracy, volunteers were sent to a university lab where they measured body fat using a highly sophisticated device called a Bod Pod.

The scientific benchmark for each volunteer was used to assess a scale’s accuracy at reporting body fat. None of the scales came close to the numbers from the Bod Pod for any of the volunteers.

"They weren't very accurate at measuring body fat, but they were consistent. So if you want to track your body fat composition over time, they are useful, " says Dietrick.

That said, the $115 Tanita provided the best combination of accuracy for weight and consistence for body fat. Depending on the model, the Fitbit Aria Smart Scale ranges in price from $150 to $370 and can send results right to your smartphone, via Wi-Fi.

"It's useful to know how much body fat you have, but a better indication of your overall health is body mass index, which you can calculate knowing your height and your weight,” advised Dietrick.

Which means sometimes you just need a basic product. Consumer Reports recommends the top-rated Taylor 7506 for $75.