A study found that the BIA method of measuring body composition is accurate when using standard, published mathematical formulas. However, the body fat scale that the researchers tested did not use accurate formulas to estimate BFP. Therefore, it produced inaccurate estimates. Also in , Consumer Reports conducted a test of six different body fat scales. First, the researchers used a lab-based machine called a Bod Pod to take accurate body fat measurements.
They then compared these results with the data that they retrieved from the home-use BIA body fat scales. In this study, the home-use body fat scales either overestimated or underestimated BFPs. The primary advantage of using body fat scales at home is convenience. The scales are easy and safe to use. Also, as long as the scales are consistent in their measurements — even if these are inaccurate — they can help the person roughly track the effectiveness of their exercise regimen or diet over time.
However, body fat scales are not an accurate method for estimating BFP. According to doctors , they typically overestimate or underestimate BFP by a large amount. For instance, a study found an association between increased abdominal fat and a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, it does not measure body fat directly. Exercise can help a person lose fat and gain muscle.
If either value is higher than average, a person should see their doctor. Higher values could indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A person can use several different methods to estimate their BFP. Typically, the most expensive options provide the most accurate estimates. Calipers are tools that measure the distance between two sides of an object. A person can use calipers to measure the thickness of skin folds on different parts of the body.
The accuracy of caliper measurements depends on the experience of the person using them. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Toggle Nav. Language English. Currency EUR - Euro.
Advanced Search. My Cart. Tanita Body Composition Scales See all Tanita body composition scales If you are serious about improving your health, you need to be able to measure your progress. You could measure your weight, but what does that tell you? Using a simple scale can lead to wrong conclusions.
You may for example have become heavier, but nevertheless have lost fat and gained muscle. Besides this, there are many other factors that have a big influence on your health. Tanita scale measurements include:. For many doctors, including obesity specialist Jaime Harper, MD , of Sharper Plastic Surgery in Avon, Indiana, the body fat percentage measurement provided is highly beneficial when designing treatment plans for patients.
Harper says. These measurements give me an overall, better idea of the patient's health," she says. Harper says she does these weight measurements monthly in her patients.
He cautions, however, that these types of scales must be used properly or they won't provide precise information. For instance, your hydration level can skew the results of a Tanita scale reading.
For that reason, it's not advised that you use the scale first thing upon awakening, after vigorous exercise or after eating. Jey says. Don't worry if your toes hang off the scale but do make sure your feet aren't damp. Depending on the model, you may also use a hand-held device that has electrodes, to measure impedance. Impedance, also referred to as bioelectric impedance analysis BIA , is at the heart of how Tanita scales work. To measure impedance, a low electrical signal enters your feet and in some instances your hands through metal electrodes.
The signal travels through your body, quickly passing through the water in hydrated muscle tissue, until it hits fat tissue, which impedes its progress.
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