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Withings thinks of its latest smart scale as a ‘longevity station’

Jul 20, 2026  Twila Rosenbaum  10 views
Withings thinks of its latest smart scale as a ‘longevity station’

At CES 2026, Withings revealed its latest smart scale, the Body Scan 2, which the company is calling a “longevity station.” Priced at $599.95, this device goes far beyond traditional weight tracking. It aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of cardiovascular and metabolic health by measuring over 60 biomarkers. The scale builds on the original Body Scan’s design, incorporating eight electrodes on the scale itself and an additional four electrodes in a retractable handle. This dual-electrode setup allows for more accurate body composition analysis by capturing upper-body data, unlike typical smart scales that rely solely on foot electrodes.

The centerpiece of the Body Scan 2 is a 90-second “longevity assessment” that breaks down into five key categories: heart pumping performance and electrical activity, hypertension risk, artery health, cellular health and metabolic efficiency, and glycemic regulation. Withings’ director of product management, Antoine Joussain, emphasized the company’s vision of adding powerful biomarkers that can be measured daily when stepping on the scale. To avoid overwhelming users, the scale distills the data into a Health Trajectory score, which visualizes how many years of good health a person can expect. This score is designed to be a simple, high-level indicator that users can follow on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, while the underlying 60 biomarkers can be reviewed in detail with interpretation provided by the app.

Noninvasive Metabolic Tracking

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Body Scan 2 is its noninvasive approach to tracking metabolic health. Instead of requiring blood tests, the scale uses bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and foot sweat analysis. BIS sends electrical currents at different frequencies to evaluate how well cell membranes are functioning, which serves as an indicator of metabolic health. The foot sweat analysis stimulates sweat glands in the feet with a tiny, safe current and measures the maximum activity response. According to Joussain, if the activity is high, the glands are healthy; if not, it could signal potential issues. He noted that diabetes often leads to foot complications, and Withings has seen correlating evidence from users with poorly controlled diabetes. These noninvasive methods allow for frequent, easy measurements without the inconvenience of blood draws, though they are intended as early warning flags rather than diagnostic tools.

Regulatory Hurdles and Timeline

The Body Scan 2 requires FDA clearance for two key features: hypertension risk notifications and the six-lead EKG for atrial fibrillation detection. Withings has historically taken a cautious approach to regulatory approval, with mixed results. For example, its ScanWatch smartwatch took nearly two years to clear the FDA process, while the U-Scan urinalysis lab was released as a wellness gadget without seeking clearance. The Move ECG smartwatch, announced in 2019, has yet to reach the US market. However, Joussain expressed optimism that Withings is pursuing a “new kind of certification” that would streamline the process without compromising scientific rigor. The scale will also be GDPR and HIPAA compliant, and include ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 privacy and security certifications. If all goes as planned, the Body Scan 2 should be available in Q2 2026.

Market Context and Competition

The concept of a “longevity score” is not entirely new. In 2025, Whoop introduced a similar metric with the Whoop 5.0 tracker, using cardiovascular, sleep, and activity data to estimate how well a person is aging. Oura launched metrics for comparing cardiovascular age to chronological age in 2024. Both companies also added blood test capabilities for metabolic health metrics last year. What sets Withings apart is its noninvasive approach and the convenience of a smart scale—a device many people already own and use regularly. Joussain believes the scale is an ideal gadget for long-term health measurements because it eliminates the friction of wearing a device or scheduling lab visits. However, scales can be emotionally loaded for some individuals, potentially triggering body dysmorphia or disordered eating. To address this, Withings includes an Eyes-Closed Mode that replaces all measurements with emojis on the scale, while still recording data in the app. The long-term goal is to reenvision the scale as a holistic health station rather than a weight-focused tool.

Background on Withings and Smart Scales

Withings has been a pioneer in the connected health space since its founding in 2008. The company gained early recognition with its Wi-Fi-enabled scales that synced weight data to smartphones. Over the years, it has expanded into smartwatches, blood pressure monitors, sleep tracking mats, and even a urinalysis device. The original Body Scan, launched in 2022, already offered body composition, heart rate, and a single-lead EKG. The Body Scan 2 significantly expands on that foundation by adding multi-lead EKG capabilities and a broader suite of biomarkers. Withings has also been active at CES, often debuting new health concepts. For instance, the U-Scan urine analyzer was announced at CES 2023 but faced regulatory delays and was later released as a wellness product. This pattern highlights the challenges of bringing advanced health monitoring devices to market, especially when seeking FDA clearance.

Detailed Features and User Experience

The Body Scan 2 is designed to be a daily health hub. When a user steps on the scale, the 90-second assessment begins automatically. The handle is retractable, making it easy to store, and the scale itself features a bright display that can show weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and other metrics. The accompanying Withings app provides a dashboard that organizes the 60 biomarkers into categories such as heart, metabolic, and cellular health. Users can view trends over time, set goals, and receive personalized insights. The Health Trajectory score is calculated using algorithms that factor in age, gender, and historical data to project healthspan. For example, if a user’s heart pumping performance improves, their trajectory score may increase, indicating a longer period of good health. This gamification of health data is intended to motivate users to adopt healthier habits.

One area where the Body Scan 2 could have a significant impact is in early detection of chronic conditions. Cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders like diabetes are often silent in their early stages, and regular monitoring could prompt users to seek medical attention sooner. Withings emphasizes that the scale is not a medical device for diagnosis but rather a wellness tool that provides early warning flags. For instance, if the foot sweat analysis shows a decline in sweat gland activity, it might indicate poor blood sugar control, encouraging a user to discuss with their doctor. Similarly, consistent hypertension risk notifications could lead to lifestyle changes or medication adjustments.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its promise, the Body Scan 2 faces several challenges. The $600 price point may be a barrier for many consumers, especially when competing fitness trackers and smartwatches offer similar health metrics at lower costs. Additionally, the need for FDA clearance for two features could delay the US launch, as has happened with previous Withings products. The company also needs to convince users that noninvasive measurements are accurate and reliable compared to blood tests. In the health tech industry, there is often skepticism about the validity of biomarker tracking from noninvasive devices. Withings will likely need to publish clinical studies to support its claims. Another consideration is user engagement: while the Health Trajectory score simplifies complex data, users who are not already health-conscious may find the amount of information overwhelming or irrelevant. The Eyes-Closed Mode is a step toward inclusivity, but it may not fully address the emotional issues some people have with scales.

Looking ahead, Withings is positioning the Body Scan 2 as a central piece of the home health ecosystem. The company has also been developing integrations with telemedicine platforms and healthcare providers. In the future, data from the scale could be shared with doctors to monitor patients remotely. This aligns with the broader trend of remote patient monitoring and personalized medicine. As technology continues to evolve, smart scales may become as common as blood pressure cuffs in households, providing actionable insights that empower individuals to take control of their health. The Body Scan 2 represents a significant step in that direction, blending convenience with sophisticated science.


Source: The Verge News


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