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The following Q&A is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Tanita's Body Fat Monitor/Scales.
| Q: | Why is it important to measure body fat percentage? |
| A: | Measuring weight alone is not an accurate assessment of a healthy lifestyle or a commitment to fitness. It is only half of the story, because it doesn't distinguish pounds that come from fat and those that come from lean muscle mass. Too much body fat results in obesity--one of the most prevalent health and fitness problems in the United States. According to new Government guidelines, approximately 97 million adult Americans--more than half of the population--are either overweight or obese.1 |
| Q: | Are there any illnesses direcly linked to obesity? |
| A: | Obesity is direcly linked with Diabetes Type II, and is a
contributing risk for many chronic conditions including hypertension,
heart disease, sleep disorders, arthritis, gall bladder disease, and
several forms of cancer.
Awareness and monitoring of body fat percentage is a motivational tool for any 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. |
| Q: | How does the Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale measure my body fat? |
| A: | Tanita uses a state of the art method of body composition
assessment called Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Body
impedance is measured when a safe, low electrical signal (about 50kHz, 500
Ma) is passed through the body, carried by water and fluids. Fat
tissue does not contain much water and creates resistance or impedance to
the signal. (Fat is approximately 10-15% hydrated, wheras muscle is
normally between 50-70%.) This impedance information is then used to
estimate the amount of lean and fat tissue within the body.
Through a process called multiple regression analysis, Tanita has developed highly researched proprietary formulas that are based on impedance, height, weight, gender, body type (normal adult or athletic build), and in some cases, age. Tanita's reference method is Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), which many experts now believe is better than Hydrostatic Weighing because of its accuracy and reliability. All analytical methods use equations derived from large, multi-ethnic population studies to predict body composition. The integrated monitor/scales are easy to use, provide clinically accurate results, and make body composition assessment accessible in professional environments as well as the home. Tanita's patented foot pad pressure-contact electrodes have revolutionized weight management. |
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| Q: | Why do Tanita Monitor/Scales have different modes? Isn't fat just fat? |
| A: | Tanita currently offers modes for three body types--Adult, Athlete, and Child--that engage the appropriate prediction equation contained in the monitor's computer chip. For example, the more athletic a person is, the more muscle they have and the more water. Therefore, the electrical signal encounters less resistance when it passes through this type of body, and the monitor must be specially calibrated. Tanita's equations are generalized based on standard population data for male/female adults, athletes, and children. |
| Q: | What are the criteria for the different modes? |
| A: | Child Mode for children up to the age of 18, over 3.6 ft.(107 cm ) tall, whose bodies are still developing. Adult Mode for adults aged 18 or older who have moderately active or sedentary lifestyles. Athlete Mode for adults involved in intense physical activity (approximately 10 hours per week) and who have a resting heart rate of approximately 60 beats per minute or less--excluding professional athletes and bodybuilders. Exceptions to Tanita's athlete description may include "Lifetime of Fitness" individuals and/or "Enthusiastic Beginners" whose bodies have not yet reached "athlete" status. |
| Q: | Are there people for whom the monitor is not appropriate? |
| A: | Although there are no known health risks, some categories
of people are advised not to use the monitor:
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| Q: | How accurate and reliable are Tanita's products? |
| A: | Independent research at several major universities (including Columbia University in New York City) has confirmed that in clinical settings, the Tanita Body Fat Monitor is accurate within +/- 5 percentage points of the institutional standard--Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). (There is no 100% accurate method to measure exact percentage of body fat--other than an autopsy.) Tarrita believes they have developed the most convenient method to accurately predict body composition; results are repeatable to within +/- 1 percent variation when used under consistent conditions. |
| Q: | What conditions might cause skewed results or an 'Error' reading in the display? |
| A: |
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| Q: | What are the optimal conditions for measuring body fat percentage? |
| A: |
Things that can affect hydration include: If the recommended time is not convenient, select one that is, and stick to it consistently. Early morning or before bed are not recommended because the body is often dehydrated. Once you have established your baseline, measure body fat about twice a month. |
| Q: | How long will this monitor/scale last? Is there a warranty? |
| A: | The product's length of durability, accuracy, and reliability is measured by the amount of times it is used, not calendar time. All of Tanita's monitor/scales are extremely reliable, providing up to 10,000 uses or more. There is a one-year warranty for parts and labor; an "After Warranty" is also available (see Warranty Card). |
| Q: | What type of maintenance is necessary? |
| A: | There is simply no maintenance other than the use of alcohol to wipe the foot pads clean and to use glass cleaner to keep them shiny--always apply to a cloth first and then to the product; avoid soaps. |
| Q: | How would I know if my Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale needs re-calibrating? |
| A: | An "Error" or "Sub" code might appear on the readout; the digital display might not "zero out" after your last measurement; or the results might be erratic and non-repeatable. Call customer service at 1-800-TANITA-8. |
1. Federal clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults, NHLBI and NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, 1998.
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Same day and next day shipments are normally the case with the exception
of any out-of-stock items. |
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