How to Properly Use a Body Fat Scale

A body fat scale is one of the newest products available to measure body fat. A body fat monitor scale works by passing a small (harmless) electrical current through your body and measuring the resistance. This is called bio electrical impedance analysis, or BIA for short. The current passes quicker through fat free tissue such as bones and muscle so the body fat scale is able to tell how much body fat you have by measuring the resistance. The body fat scale does not measure the amount of body fat you have; it measures your body density. Unfortunately this means that there are factors that can give false readings. To get the most out of your body fat scale, you need to use it correctly.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use the body fat scale at the same time each day. The measurement can be skewed by such things as hydration level, perspiration and the amount of food in your body.

    • 2

      Try to stand on the body fat scale in the same position every time. This may be difficult at first but because the body fat monitor scale sends a current from a small contact area it's vitally important to stand in the same position every time.

    • 3

      Enter your weight, age and gender into the scale correctly. If other people will use the body fat monitor scale make sure they have their own profiles.

    • 4

      Try not to eat before using the body fat scale. The additional mass in your body will skew the results.

    • 5

      Don't drink fluids about an hour before using the body fat scale. If you must drink, try to wait the same amount of time every day before measuring yourself.

    • 6

      Keep the body fat monitor scale as clean as possible. Any dirt on the pads could skew the results.

    • 7

      Never workout or exercise before using the body fat scale. The increased perspiration will make the results inaccurate.