Health and Fitness Information Center

Tanita Body Fat Frequently Asked Questions, Part 5

• Health Topics

• Asthma/Allergies
• Blood Pressure
• Blood Testing
• Body Fat Measuring
• Breast Exam
• Breastfeeding
• Cholesterol
• Defibrillator
• Diabetes
• Family Health
• Fitness
• Nutrition
• Safety
• Stress
• Thermometry
• Weight Control

Their hydration levels will be different, and the composition of their muscle tissue may differ too. If such individuals use the Standard TANITA Body Fat Monitor, their reading may well be overestimated. The Athlete mode in several models of the TANITA Body Fat Monitor takes into account these differences to give a more accurate measurement of body fat % in such individuals.

People often ask - "Am I an athlete?" The answer is that there is no exact point at which a person becomes an athlete. As a guide, if someone is doing more than 10 hours a week vigorous exercise, and has a resting heart rate of under 60 beats a minute they should use the Athlete mode. The same could apply to a person who is currently doing less exercise, but who has had a "lifetime of fitness" (e.g., an ex international rugby player.)

Children who are also athletes should interpret results with care. The calculations rely on an estimation of "average" bone density and other body composition factors. In children these body composition factors can vary widely and the readings may not represent an absolute picture of the body fat %. However, the readings for any individual will remain constant over a period of time and the scales can be reliably used to measure changes in body fat.

15. Are there optimal conditions for determining body fat percentage using Tanita products?
Yes, these are as follows:

• Select a consistent time of day, and stick to it.
• With an empty bladder.
• When normally hydrated (generally between 5-7pm before evening meal).
• Unclean footpads may interfere with conductivity.
• Nylons interfere with conductivity. If it is absolutely necessary to measure in nylons, use a drop of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol on the footpads to act as a conductor.

Things that can affect hydration include:

• Strenuous exercise.
• Recent food intake.
• Diuretics such as caffeine, alcohol, certain medications.

Early morning is not recommended because the body is often dehydrated after a night's sleep. Once you have established your baseline, Tanita recommends monitoring body fat about twice a month. Checking body fat more frequently is not beneficial as changes occur slowly over time.