Body-Fat Scales Instructions

Body-fat scales measure body composition, specifically the percentage of fat on the body. They can be be helpful in monitoring individuals who exercise frequently. This is because muscle weighs more than fat, so simply weighing yourself to track your progress won't always do the trick. Body-fat scales are often tricky to use because they can offer inaccurate results. The best way to get readings that are as accurate as possible is to follow the instructions carefully.

Preparing Yourself

• Body-fat scales use a process called bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body-fat percentage. When you stand on the scale, it shoots a mild electrical current through your body and tracks how quickly the current progresses; from this result, it calculates body-fat percentage. Muscles contain a lot of water, so they conduct electricity well. Fat, on the other hand, offers more resistance to the electricity.

  To get an accurate reading from a body-fat scale, it's important to prepare yourself appropriately. Always weigh yourself at the same time of day, wearing the same type of clothing. Water intake can greatly affect the reading. To make sure you are equally hydrated each time, measure out a set amount of water and drink it an hour before you use the scale each time. Always use a body-fat scale before you exercise, as physical activity can deplete hydration.

  Body temperature can also change how the electrical current travels through the body. The room in which the scale is used needs to maintain a constant temperature for optimal results.

Preparing the Scale

• The scale should be set up on an uncarpeted floor. Dust off the top of the scale. Turn on the body-fat scale; the scale should direct you to enter your height, age and sex. Sometimes scales also have an "athlete" mode, which takes heavy physical activity into account. Some body-fat scales allow you to program this information into the memory, while others will require you to enter it each time.

Using the Scale

• Step onto the scale, placing each foot over its corresponding foot pad. Stand perfectly still while the scale measures you. Shifting while the current is passing through your body can result in an incorrect reading.

  Keep in mind that all body-fat scales are a bit different, and for this reason, your readings may vary from scale to scale. Body-fat scales are not the most accurate way to measure body fat. They should be used to track fitness progress, not for medical analysis purposes.