Bodybugg - neat tech, or total sham? page

**davem** · 06-28-2011, 08:19 AM

I saw a little information on the bodybugg, basically it claims to get an accurate reading of your daily caloric expenditure via heat and accelerometer data from your arm.

Has anyone used one? Used one successfully? I love the tech, but not sure if I'm looking at snake oil, it's also expensive, as once you buy it you can't get your personal data unless you buy a subscription to their website, wise on their part, not helpful for a consumer though.

Thoughts? Comments on the device? Is there another, non-subscription based competitor?

**MikeEnRegalia** · 06-28-2011, 08:41 AM

I remain skeptical. I checked out the page where the company explains the mechanisms used:

BODYBUGG :: THE SCIENCE BEHIND BODYBUGG

In essence it tries to estimate your caloric expenditure and claims that it's "the most accurate estimation [...] outside of a clinical setting". This could mean anything from "very accurate" to "not very accurate". I would say that since how much you sweat, how much heat your body gives off, how much you move your arms etc. can as a matter of principle not give you accurate numbers. Especially considering the accelerometer, if for example you're doing squats, it would have no idea of how much weight you are lifting.

So: It's most likely not very useful, if you're looking for something accurate. AFAIK there really isn't an meaningful way to do this outside of clinical settings.

**MikeEnRegalia** · 06-28-2011, 08:44 AM

Found some more info: bodybugg® Frequently Asked Questions

Even if it was 90% accurate, I'm still wondering - what would you use this for? The downside to knowing your exact energy expenditure would be that you would start trying to match your energy intake - and while I think that calories matter and have always pointed that out in various threads, I think it makes little sense to let a calculator govern your meals - that really could end with a serious case of orthorexia.

**loafingcactus** · 06-28-2011, 08:45 AM

I have friends who have used them to lose and maintain massive weight loss. I think they are one reasonable tool. I think part of their usefulness is similar to the rubber band around the wrist approach- it is something to always remind you that you have a problem that you need to manage.

I personally have no plans to buy one.

**MikeEnRegalia** · 06-28-2011, 08:50 AM

In that case I recommend the flash diet instead - much more affordable, if you already have a camera phone:

The flash diet: Taking photos of meals helps slimmers lose weight | Mail Online

It's the same principle ... you're very effectively reminded of the fact that your plan was to make better eating choices. :-)

**Dr. Bork Bork** · 06-28-2011, 08:50 AM

Was wondering if it was worth it to upgrade to a bodybugg from my polar HRM, so thanks for posting this topic!

**davem** · 06-28-2011, 09:05 AM

I think the polar and the bodybugg are two completely different creatures, so not sure if upgrade is the right term? Polar gives useful and actionable data - your heart rate, which could allow you to min/max training. The bodybugg is an approx. of what you've "burned" today.

I'm a big fan of tech, so I was curious. I'm not sure how reasonable it is to think that skin temp + accelerometers = correct energy use. It's always nice to get an idea though. Personally, I know the treadmill's estimations on my calorie expenditure per mile are about as accurate and probable as using a pumpkin to measure radio signals in space. (Yeah, I'm being silly.)

At the end of the day though, how can one get this information, if not by consumer tech?

**Mike Gager** · 06-28-2011, 09:15 AM

im not convinced calories really have anything to do with weight loss. i mean theres a big difference between 500 calories of eggs and 500 calories of potato chips, how does the body bugg make the distinction?