BodyBugg Review

If you have ever watched a season of The Biggest Loser or stepped into a 24 Fitness gym then chances are pretty good that you have already been exposed to the BodyBugg.  For those that have never heard of the device, the BodyBugg is a calorie management system that consists of basically two components, a hardware component that is used to collect data and a software component that is used to process the information collected.  The hardware for the BodyBugg consists of an armband that is worn on the left arm.  The armband, through a series of test, collects information on how many calories your body expends in a given day. 

Note:  The attached link covers in detail on how the BodyBugg works - http://www.bodybugg.com/science_behind_bodybugg.php

The second half of the equation is the software.  The software for the BodyBugg acquires the data from the armband and uploads the information to a website.  From there the real strength of the system shines.  The website is setup to both help you set your weight loss goals and map out a plan for you to achieve those goals.  Based on the goals that you set the BodyBugg system tracks how many calories were burned in a given day in comparison of how many calories were consumed.  However, it does not do everything for you; it simply calculates the number of calories that you expend in a day.  You still have to keep a daily log of everything that you eat and enter it into the program.  If entered correctly the software will be able to give you an accurate estimate on the number of calories a day that you are burning verse the number consumed.

Additional Note:  We should point out that the BodyBugg website states that the web interface is capable of calculating your calories consumed by the changes in your weekly body mass.  However, the website goes on to recommend that you keep a food log to keep better track of your caloric input.  That being said, we would recommend keeping a food journal to insure the most accurate data is collected.

The website has a variety of reports available to the user and one of the most useful ones is that it calculates if you are in a calorie deficit or surplus.  A simple graph shows the amount of calories that are in surplus or deficit and this is an invaluable tool that anyone can use to make adjustments to their diet.  Another great report is the built-in pedometer.

How much does it cost?

The BodyBugg is not perfect and there are a few drawbacks that need to be noted.  The biggest drawback comes down to the price.  The initial investment is a little expensive but at around $250 it still is a fair price for what you get.  The real expense is that as long as you want to use the BodyBugg there is an ongoing expense for the website portion after the six month trial ends.  You have four pricing options after the initial six months ends (note that the prices may change):

1.       Month-to-month recurring @ $14.95

2.       1 month @ $29.95

3.       3 months @ $39.95

4.       12 months @ $99.95

The monthly prices are not outrageous but they do increase the overall cost for this system.

The BodyBugg that was tested was the original version and at times I found it to be a little too bulky and uncomfortable.  Most of the time I forgot that I was even wearing the thing but there were times that it caused some discomfort to the arm (Keep in mind that it was worn all the time excluding when taking a shower.).    The latest version, v3 BodyBugg, has a much sleeker design and is around 50% smaller in size.  It also comes with a more comfortable armband so the upgrades should eliminate most of the comfort issues that we experienced.   Also, as a side note the initial BodyBugg was only supported on Windows Operating Systems but V3 has resolved those issues by now being supported on a MAC.  However, if you are a MAC user be sure to check the specifics to make sure that you OS is supported. 

Another drawback, at least for some, is that the food consumption has to be logged correctly for the results to be accurate.  Keeping a food journal is a pain, it is a lot of work and if you ever eat out it really becomes a guessing game on the amount of calories consumed.   However, there really isn’t any way around this and for those that are looking to get the most out of the BodyBugg then keeping track of the calories consumed is a must.

Conclusion

Overall the reviews for the BodyBugg have been very positive and from my experience it is well the cost.  The reporting feature is hands down the best I have seen and it was nice to see how number of calories I burned per hour changed even after some time had passed after my workout.  The charts on the website gave me a visual confirmation how working out increased the calories that I burned.  The system takes some getting used to but once you try it you will wonder how you ever got along without it.  Also, in my opinion this is not something that has to be used for the rest of your life.  If used properly your eating and exercise habits should change for the better and once those becomes habit it all about maintaining from there on.

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