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How does it work?
While body fat can be measured in many ways, the method used in your scale is bioelectrical impedance. This indirect method of determining body fat starts when a safe and very low electrical current is sent through the lower half of the body. The electrical current flows more quickly through water and muscle than it will through bone and fat. The scale measures the speed of the current. Based on this number, the scale estimates body fat using a multi-step, mathematical formula.
Is it accurate?
Measurements of body fat tend to fluctuate a lot more than simple weighing, and different methods of estimating body fat yield very different results. Just as different scales give different results, different body fat analyzers can provide very different body fat estimates. Even with the same scale the numbers will vary because:
What you need to know!
Why do I lose weight but my body fat percentage doesn't change much?
Most body fat monitors show body fat as a percentage only. This body fat monitor shows you not only a percentage but the actual number of body fat pounds (in fact, this is the measurement you see after your weight is displayed). Why is that important? When you lose weight, both the numerator (pounds of body fat) and denominator (total body weight) go down, so when it's calculated as a body fat percentage, the number can be small. For example, a person may weigh 200 pounds and have 40% body fat (= 80 pounds of body fat). He/She loses 20 pounds, but the body fat has only dropped 4% to 36%. That 4% of body fat was 16 pounds of fat – a very significant amount! So do not be overly concerned if you do not see the percentage change quickly as you are losing weight: monitor the absolute number of body fat pounds lost. Remember, to minimize the loss of lean tissue, include regular physical activity, especially strength training, in your weight-loss plan.
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, a statistical term derived from height and weight. It is closely linked to body fat and health outcomes. Over 50 organizations, including the US Government and the World Health Organization, have adopted BMI guidelines. BMI is inversely related to fitness, meaning that the higher your BMI, the less likely you are to be fit. Every time your body analysis monitor reads your weight and calculates your body fat, it also calculates your BMI. Along with your weight and your body fat measurements, the BMI reading gives you yet one more tool to monitor your health and fitness.
General health standards indicate that one should consume approximately 64 oz of water per day from food and liquids to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Maintaining a good hydration level will help improve your overall health and general feeling of well-being. If your hydration levels are lower than average, you should increase your water intake accordingly.
Body water/hydration level – how is it measured?
The hydration level is measured by using Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA). The same analysis that is used to calculate your body fat is used to calculate your hydration level. Taking into consideration a user's age and gender, a calculation is made that determines the percentage of water.
Please note: It is not recommended to take the hydration measurements in certain situations, such as following exercise, after drinking a glass of water, or directly prior to, during or shortly after menstrual cycles. Hydration may not be at normal levels during these times.
Bone is a living, growing tissue. During youth, your body makes new bone tissue faster than it breaks down older bone. In young adulthood, bone mass is at its peak; after that, bone loss starts to outpace bone growth, and bone mass decreases. But it's a long and very slow process that can be slowed down even more through calcium-rich diets and weight-bearing exercise.
Who should monitor bone mass?
Most people have no need to monitor bone mass, but certain groups – postmenopausal women, men and women with certain diseases, and anyone who takes medications that affect bone tissue – might want to watch for decreases in bone mass. The bone mass reading is to be used as guide only. Watch for trends over time and contact your healthcare provider for a more detailed explanation of the readings and with any questions or concerns.
Make the most of it!
To summarize, make the most of the body analysis feature by:
While a scale/body fat monitor can be a useful tool on your weight-loss journey, it's not in and of itself a program for losing weight. Studies show that people lose three times more weight on Weight Watchers than they do on their own.*
Come to a meeting and learn from us the best way to lose and maintain weight. Call 1-800-651-6000 or go to WeightWatchers.com to find a meeting near you.
Your scale is the best tool for monitoring weight. While not the only measure of weight loss, scales are the most popular method used to gauge weight-loss success. A scale measures the sum of your total body weight, which includes bone, muscle, fat, and water.
Body weight fluctuates during the day, and from day to day, depending on a variety of factors.
It's important not to put too much stock in the exact number on the scale, because it can and will vary. This is especially true when you're dieting. Small weight gains and losses are common as your body adjusts to fewer calories and more exercise. Your scale is a valuable tool when used to track weight over a period of weeks and months. Be aware that different scales often give different results. The scale at your doctor's office may show one weight, and your scale at home another. So don't get too caught up with a single number.
A surefire way to get overly concerned with your weight is to weigh yourself too often. We generally recommend weighing yourself no more than once a week when you're dieting. Though it's hard to stick to this pattern, it's the best way to prevent unnecessary concern with normal weight fluctuations, which are unrelated to your weight-loss efforts. Regardless of your weighing habits, it's important that you're consistent.
Here are 5 rules for effectively monitoring your weight – weigh yourself:
To keep track of your weight, record only one number for the week.
This will give you a clear picture of any trend your weight is following.
Fluctuations in day-to-day weight tend to be smaller when weight is stable, so a more frequent weigh-in pattern is helpful. To maintain a stable weight:
Your Weight Watchers scale is a precise measuring instrument that is most accurate when weighing a stationary object. To ensure accurate readings, always try to stand on the same area of the scale platform and DO NOT MOVE. Should the weight on the scale exceed the scale's capacity, you may see an error message "ERR".
Electronic sensors are sensitive. Be careful not to drop or jar the scale. Place it gently onto floor surface, and store where it will be protected from impact. The scale is an electronic instrument and should never be submerged in water. Clean with damp cloth and/or glass cleaner.
In the event that the scale batteries needs to be replaced, (display shows "Lo"), open the battery cover on the bottom of the scale and replace the old batteries with two new 3V lithium batteries. Dispose of the old batteries properly. Do not attempt to open the scale or to remove any components. Servicing should be done by qualified technicians only. See warranty information below.
Precautions for Use
Use of this device by persons with any electrical implant such as a heart pacemaker, or by pregnant women, is not recommended. Please consult your physician should you have any questions about the use of this product in relation to any condition you may have, or treatment you may be receiving.
Instructions for customizing your Weight Watchers Body Analysis scale are below. However, the scale does not need to be programmed to operate as a simple weigh scale.
This scale can be customized for up to 4 users. While the customization process is not difficult, it may be easiest to read all the instructions first to familiarize yourself with them. Then keep the instruction manual handy as you go through the process step by step.
Buttons: USER, SET, Up and Down arrows
If you step on the scale before "0.0" appears, the scale will not function properly.
Scale will show "Err" if there is improper foot contact in the body analysis mode, for instance, when you stand on the scale with socks or shoes on. Hard or dry skin can prevent you making proper contact with electrodes on the surface of the scale. Try applying a small amount of moisturizer to your feet before using the scale.
Service Centers
Conair Corporation
Service Department
150 Milford Road
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Conair Corporation
Service Department
7475 N. Glen Harbor Blvd.
Glendale, AZ 85307
Questions about your Scale?
1-800-326-6247
www.conair.com
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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