Health and Fitness Information Center

Tanita Body Fat Frequently Asked Questions, Part 6

• 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

-Firstly, as every child's development is different, as their bodies change dramatically and rapidly throughout adolescence, it is not practical to concoct a "one-size-fits-all" range for children.

-Secondly, because the clinical methods used to get reference data for body fat analysis involve exposing the body to low doses of X-ray radiation; there are particular ethical problems in doing this on children. This means that there is a lack of appropriate clinical research for Tanita to base its methods on.

-Thirdly, even international bodies such as the WHO do not give clear-cut healthy weight ranges for children. There are no international standards even for "height/weight" ranges.

17. Why is my body fat scale not measuring water for my child?
Currently the Tanita Body Fat Monitors with Total Body Water will not measure Body Water in Children, as there are no published guidelines for Children. Research to date has concentrated on developing accurate equations for adults. As medical research continues, equations suitable for children's bodies will be developed. As a responsible manufacturer, Tanita will not show readings for children on the scales until the relevant background medical research has been done.

18. Is it possible to have too little body fat?
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. Too much body fat is also linked to Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke and certain cancers.

19. Are there any illnesses directly linked to obesity?
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.