| Q: |
"Why is it important to monitor body fat
percentage?" |
| A: |
Measuring weight alone is not a completely accurate
assessment of health or fitness because it doesn't distinguish
pounds that come from fat and pounds that come from lean muscle
mass. Everyone needs some body fat, but too much fat results in
obesity--one of the most important public health issues in the
United States. According to new federal guidelines, more than half
of the US adult population (97 million people) are now overweight
or obese, and one out of four children and adolescents is too fat. |
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| Q: |
"Are there any illnesses directly linked to
obesity?" |
| A: |
Obesity is directly linked with Diabetes Type II
and hypertension, and is a contributing risk factor for many other
conditions including heart disease, sleep disorders, arthritis,
gall bladder disease, stroke, and several forms of cancer.
Awareness and monitoring of body fat percentage can be a
motivational tool for a fitness or weight management program.
Additionally, with any chronic degenerative disease, monitoring
body fat and lean body mass is critical to evaluation, treatment,
and management of the condition. This information is helpful in
determining a suitable exercise and nutritional program on an
individual basis. |
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| Q: |
"Is it possible to have too little body
fat?" |
| A: |
Yes. Both extremes--too much or too little body
fat--put an individual at risk for serious medical and/or
psychological conditions. Having a very low body fat percentage,
particularly for women, can result in musculoskeletal problems and
osteoporosis. And it can upset the hormonal balance causing loss
of menstruation. Striving for extremely low body fat can also
result in severe eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa,
bulimia, and binge-eating which have significant health
implications. |
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| Q: |
"Are there optimal conditions for
determining body fat percentage using Tanita's products?" |
| A: |
Yes, there are: |
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Select a consistent time of day, and stick
to it. |
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With an empty bladder |
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When normally hydrated |
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Unclean foot pads may interfere with
conductivity. |
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Nylons interfere with conductivity. If it is absolutely
necessary to measure in nylons, use a drop of isopropyl
(rubbing) alcohol on the foot pads to act as a conductor. |
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| Things that can affect
hydration include: |
| -- |
strenuous exercise |
| -- |
recent food intake |
| -- |
diuretics such as caffeine, alcohol,
certain medications |
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Early morning is not recommended because the body is often
dehydrated after a night's sleep. Once you have established your
baseline, monitor body fat about twice a month. Checking
body fat more frequently is not beneficial as changes occur slowly
over time. |
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