10. Display turns off automatically.
NOTES
If you step on the scale before “0.0” appears, the scale will not
function properly.
Scale will show “Err” if there is improper foot contact in the body
analysis mode, for instance, when you stand on the scale with
socks or shoes on. Hard or dry skin can prevent you making
proper contact with electrodes on the surface of the scale. Try
applying a small amount of moisturizer to your feet before using
the scale.
Weight and Body Fat
How does it work?
While body fat can be measured in many ways, the method used in your scale is
bioelectrical impedance. This indirect method of determining body fat starts when a
safe and very low electrical current is sent through the lower half of the body.
The electrical current flows more quickly through water and muscle than it will
through bone and fat. The scale measures the speed of the current. Based on this
number, the scale estimates body fat using a multi-step, mathematical formula.
Is it accurate?
Measurements of body fat tend to fluctuate a lot more than simple weighing, and
different methods of estimating body fat yield very different results. Just as different
scales give different results, different body fat analyzers can provide very different
body fat estimates. Even with the same scale the numbers will vary because:
• Weight loss tends to produce substantial, continuous, and unpredictable changes
in body water content. Because body fat analysis is determined by water content
in the body, results can vary considerably from day to day.
• Hydration status affects body fat results. If you’ve just worked out, there is less
water for the electrical current to flow through. This may result in a higher body fat
result. In the same way, if you measure your body fat after drinking a lot of fluid, it
may appear that body fat is lower than it really is.
• Skin temperature can have an influence also. Measuring body fat in warm humid
weather when skin is moist will yield a different result than if skin is cold and dry.
• As with weight, when your goal is to change body composition it is better to track
trends over time than to use individual daily results.
• Results may not be accurate for persons under the age of 16, or persons with an
elevated body temperature, diabetes or other health conditions.
What you need to know!
• Percent body fat refers to the number of pounds of fat divided by your total body
weight and multiplied by 100.
• During weight loss, percent body fat doesn’t appear to be reduced as quickly as
expected because total weight loss and total body fat are decreasing at the same
time (for a more detailed explanation, see next section).
• Weight loss in the form of body fat and lean tissue (muscle) is common,
and is normal.
• To minimize the loss of lean tissue, include regular physical activity,
especially strength training, in your weight-loss plan.
Why do I lose weight but my body fat percentage doesn’t change much?
Most body fat monitors show body fat as a percentage only. This body fat monitor
shows you not only a percentage but the actual number of body fat pounds (in fact,
this is the measurement you see after your weight is displayed).
Why is that important? When you lose weight, both the numerator (pounds of body
fat) and denominator (total body weight) go down, so when it’s calculated as a body
fat percentage, the number can be small. For example, a person may weigh 200
pounds and have 40% body fat (= 80 pounds of body fat). He/She loses 20 pounds,
but the body fat has only dropped 4% to 36%. That 4% of body fat was 16 pounds
of fat – a very significant amount! So do not be overly concerned if you do not see
the percentage change quickly as you are losing weight: monitor the absolute num-
ber of body fat pounds lost. Remember, to minimize the loss of lean tissue, include
regular physical activity, especially strength training, in your weight-loss plan.
BMI – What Is It?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, a statistical term derived from height and weight.
It is closely linked to body fat and health outcomes. Over 50 organizations, includ-
ing the US Government and the World Health Organization, have adopted BMI
guidelines. BMI is inversely related to fitness, meaning that the higher your BMI,
the less likely you are to be fit. Every time your body analysis monitor reads your
weight and calculates your body fat, it also calculates your BMI. Along with your
weight and your body fat measurements, the BMI reading gives you yet one more
tool to monitor your health and fitness.
Body Water/Hydration Levels
General health standards indicate that one should consume approximately 64 oz
of water per day from food and liquids to maintain a healthy level of hydration.
Maintaining a good hydration level will help improve your overall health and general
feeling of well-being. If your hydration levels are lower than average, you should
increase your water intake accordingly.
Body water/hydration level – how is it measured?
The hydration level is measured by using Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA).
The same analysis that is used to calculate your body fat is used to calculate your
hydration level. Taking into consideration a user’s age and gender, a calculation is
made that determines the percentage of water.
Please note: It is not recommended to take the hydration measurements in cer-
tain situations, such as following exercise, after drinking a glass of water, or directly
prior to, during or shortly after menstrual cycles. Hydration may not be at normal
levels during these times.
Bone Mass – What Is It?
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