Bariatric Scales - Is obesity the next ‘big’ thing?

The fastest growing health problem in the UK is obesity. Cases of obesity in the UK have tripled over the last 20 years. By 2020, at least one third of adults, one fifth of boys and one third of girls will be obese.
(Source: Royal College of Physicians/Faculty of Public Health)

It is essential that scales are readily available to doctors and hospitals so that they can monitor an obese patient’s weight and BMI (Body Mass Index). BMI is an approximate measure of body composition based on a person's weight and height. It is worked out using a formula that uses your height and weight to calculate a number. This number gives an approximate indication of whether you are a healthy weight or if you are at risk of being under or over weight.

Bariatric Scales for the larger person were hard to find in the UK with many of these scales having a weighing capacity of only 200kg. Larger scales with capacities of 300kg and even 500kg had to be imported from the USA. Now the European manufacturers have caught up and wide range of bariatric scales (obesity scales) are available to suit all requirements. These scales typically have a BMI function, can send data to an external logging source such as a PC or printer and measure height. A range of these scales can be found by following the link Bariatric Scales.

The most basic form of bariatric scale is the is the ‘flat scale’ which has either the display set into the base at platform level or on a cable for remote positioning on a desk or wall. Platform sizes range from 350mm x 350mm to 600mm x 400mm with capacities from 250kg to 500kg. They are very portable and can be carried between sites. They can also be used in conjunction with a free standing or wall mounted height measure.

Next are the short column scales with the display mounted onto a small column raising it above the platform. Sizes and specifications are similar to those of the flat scales.

Column scales have the display mounted to approximately waist level to make reading the display easier. Typical platform sizes are 350mm x 350mm to 350mm x 450mm and capacities from 250kg to 300kg. A BMI function and an integral height measure will give both the height and weight of a patient in just one step. An RS-232 port is usually provided to transmit displayed data to a PC or printer. Some Seca models now offer a wireless facility for transmitting the data to a wireless printer or to a PC with dedicated software. All models are generally portable with some having built-in wheels and handle.

High capacity Column scales with handrails. These scales are bigger than the column scales and have the added safety feature of a handrail to assist the infirm. The display is column mounted at just below eyelevel. They have larger platforms 550mm x 550mm to 600mm x 400mm and capacities around 300kg. A BMI function and an integral height measure gives both the height and weight of a patient in just one step. An RS-232 port is usually provided to transmit displayed data to a PC or printer. All models are generally portable with some having built-in wheels and handle.

Multi-function scales provide various options for weighing obese patients. Firstly, the patient can stand and use the a handrail for support; they can sit on the integral pull down seat; they can be pushed onto the platform via the built-in ramps and weighed whilst in a wheelchair. Platform sizes range from 800mm x 800mm to 900mm x 900mm and capacities from 300kg to 500kg. All the additional facilities of the handrail scales are available with the multi-function scales.

Wheelchair weighing scales are designed to weigh a patient whist they remain in their wheelchair. A pre-tare function allows for the weight of the wheelchair to be deducted from the gross weight displayed to give just the net weight of the patient. They are available as a floor mounted platform with access ramps or twin parallel beams. The displays are generally on a cable remote from the scale to make it easier to read. Platform sizes range from 800mm x 700mm to 1000mm x 750mm. Capacities from 300kg to 450kg. The Beams are 1200mm long x 135mm wide. They are used as a pair and have a capacity of 300kg. Extremely portable and be packed into option carry cases and placed into the boot of a car. All the additional facilities of the handrail and multi-function scales and also available.

Chair Scales for weighing obese patients have wider seats. Arm rests are either removable or swing out of the way to aid access. The footrests are adjustable for height and can also swing out of the way. Seat belts and harness are optional safety devices. Displays are set into the rear of the chair for optimum viewing. Capacities to 300kg are available. An RS-232 port is usually provided to transmit displayed data to a PC or printer. Power is from batteries or internal rechargeable battery.