Notes On Measurements; Functional Characteristics; Body Fat - Medion MD 11540 Manual

Notes on measurements

Functional Characteristics

The body fat scales display the ratio of muscle, body fat and water to total body
weight. The standing area of the scales has electrodes which measure body fat
by means of the body's electric resistance. Lean body tissue has a lower
resistance than fatty body tissue. The integrated computer relates the body fat
measured to the person's body height, age, sex and total weight. This results
in the body fat value.

Body fat

Too much body fat is unhealthy. What is more important is that a high body fat
level is usually accompanied by an increased blood fat level and the risk of various
illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiac illness, high blood pressure etc. is raised
dramatically.
However, if the body fat ratio is too low this is also unhealthy. In addition to fat
tissue under the skin the body also creates important fat deposits to protect
internal organs and safeguard important metabolic functions. If these essential fat
reserves are used metabolic disturbances may occur, e.g. the risk of osteoporosis
rises.
The normal body fat level varies with age and, in particular, gender. The normal
value for women is around 10% higher than for men. With increasing age the
body breaks down muscle mass and this increases the body fat level.
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