The Voice of Mom

“What is that thing on your arm?”

I heard that question more than once while I wore the BodyBugg for three months to see how it worked and if it could really help accelerate weight loss. The device is a small monitor that tracks your calories burned, steps, activity and more. It’s been getting a lot of notice lately, especially since it was featured on national television. The participants on The Biggest Loser wear one to track their activity.

But can it really work for the average man or woman?

The GOOD: Wearing the BodyBugg, you are forced to face the reality of your activity level. Forget about questionnaires that ask you if you are somewhat active, moderately active or very active: there is no fooling yourself when you see the chart at the end of the day. Once you get used to having the BodyBugg on your arm, you almost can forget it’s there. The online interface compares your actual calories burned with how many calories you take in, and it keeps you honest by comparing what you say your deficit was with what your weight loss indicates. There are many improvements being made across the board including an updated, smaller BodyBugg (the one pictured is the one I used). More foods are being added to the database for food logging regularly.

The BAD: There is an adjustment period as you get comfortable wearing the armband. The online interface works with Internet Explorer, so if you are a Firefox aficionado, you will have to get used to IE for this. Also, the food logging and arm band syncing uses Flash, which is on the slow side.

MONEY MATTERS: The BodyBugg retails for $249 and is available online from BodyBugg directly. For about $349, it also comes with a visual display. However, 24 Hour Fitness has the BodyBugg with the digital display for $249 with a free visual display.

The MOM VERDICT

Sarah says: I knew that I didn’t live the most active lifestyle. However, using the BodyBugg I found that I don’t walk a whole lot or get a lot of exercise in. As a writer who works at home, I just don’t move as much as I should. Using the BodyBugg has helped me change that. And while due to the holidays and the demands of being a food writer, I didn’t lose much weight, I also didn’t have a big gain over the holidays like has typically happened. Now that it’s the New Year and I am recommitted to a healthy existence, the BodyBugg has been instrumental in showing me what exercises do the most for me. And while I hate that it uses Flash and Internet Explorer – two things I dislike – it’s a small price to pay for the accountability that you have with the BodyBugg. The one caveat? You have to be ready to do something about your weight – through a change in diet and exercise – if this is going to work. So, if you are ready, then I highly recommend this device. Two thumbs up here.