Health and Fitness Information Center

Tanita Body Fat Frequently Asked Questions

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2. How does the scale work?
Understanding Tanita Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA) Tanita uses BIA to make an indirect measurement of body composition. A safe electrical signal (50Khz, 800µA) is sent through the body via the patented pressure-contact footpads on a scale platform. The only direct measurements that Tanita BIA makes are weight and impedance, all other values such as % body fat, Fat Free Mass, etc., are calculated. Impedance is measured in Ohms and can be defined as the strength and speed of an electrical signal traveling through the body. BIA is based on the fact that lean muscle tissue contains high levels of water and electrolytes, and therefore acts as a conductor of an electrical signal.

Fat mass is comparatively anhydrous and acts as a resistor to the flow of an electrical signal. Increasing levels of fat mass result in a higher impedance value, and correspond to higher levels of body fat. Weight and Impedance value are part of an equation that includes other variables such as age, height, gender and body type. Since Tanita's body composition scale was introduced in 1992, it has undergone 3 major upgrades in terms of both hardware and software. Today, Tanita BIA is recognized as the world leader in practical body composition analysis.

3. I want the best monitor, so shall I buy the most expensive one?
Not necessarily. Tanita does not have a policy to keep bringing out new models that supersede older models and so making them out of date. They have developed a variety of functions and benefits available on our monitors that makes them personalized to the user. The most expensive monitor may not always be the best for you! It also depends what you need from your body fat monitor. The most basic models will accurately measure your weight and body fat percentage, but the more expensive models include other functions and benefits such as showing total body water, or daily calorie intake for example. The most expensive models include graphs to show your changes over a period of time.

4. Is the monitor safe to use if I am pregnant?
The monitors are perfectly safe for mother and baby. Due to the changes (hormone levels, changes in water content) in the mothers' body, the Body Fat readings should not be interpreted as completely accurate.