Tanita UM-081 Manual
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Tanita UM-081 Manual

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

  • Persons with implanted electronic medical equipment, such as a pacemaker, should not use the Body Fat Monitor feature on this Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale. This Body Fat Monitor/Scale passes a low-level electrical signal through the body, which may interfere with the operation of a pacemaker.
  • The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scales are intended for home use only. This unit is not intended for professional use in hospitals or other medical facilities; it is not equipped with the quality standards required for heavy usage experienced under professional conditions.
  • Do not use this unit on slippery surfaces such as wet floors.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR USERS

This Body fat monitor is intended for adults and children (ages 7-17) with inactive to moderately active lifestyles.
It is not intended for people with athletic body types. Tanita defines "athlete" as a person involved in intense physical activity of at least 10 hours per week and who has a resting heart rate of approximately 60 beats per minute or less.
People with athletic body types should use Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scales equipped with Athlete mode.
This scale is not intended for pregnant women, professional athletes or bodybuilders.
Recorded data may be lost if the unit is used incorrectly or is exposed to electrical power surges.
Tanita takes no responsibility for any kind of loss caused by the loss of recorded data. Tanita takes no responsibility for any kind of damage or loss caused by these units, or any kind of claim made by a third person.

Note: Body fat percentage estimates will vary with the amount of water in the body, and can be affected by dehydration or over-hydration due to such factors as alcohol consumption, menstruation, illness, intense exercise, etc.

PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING BODY FAT PERCENTAGE

Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scales allow you to determine your body fat percentage at home as easily as you measure your weight.

What is Body Fat Percentage?
Body fat percentage is the percentage of fat in your body. Too much body fat has been linked to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other disabling conditions.
Body Fat Ranges for Standard Adults

1 Based on NIH/WHO BMI Guidelines.
2 As reported by Gallagher, et al, at NY Obesity Research Center.
To determine the percentage of body fat that is appropriate for your body, consult your physician.

The BIA Method
Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scales use the BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) technique. In this method, a safe, low-level electrical signal is passed through the body. It is difficult for the signal to flow through fat in the human body, but easy to flow through moisture in the muscle and other body tissues. The difficulty with which a signal flows through a substance is called impedance. So the more resistance, or impedance, the signal encounters, the higher the body fat reading.
Tanita's patented "foot-pad" design sends a safe, low level electrical signal through the body to determine its composition.

Body Fat Percentage Fluctuations in a Day
Hydration levels in the body may affect body fat readings. Readings are usually highest in the early waking hours, since the body tends to be dehydrated after a long night's sleep. For the most accurate reading, a person should take a body fat percentage reading at a consistent time of day under consistent conditions.
Besides this basic cycle of fluctuations in the daily body fat readings, variations may be caused by hydration changes in the body due to eating, drinking, menstruation, illness, exercising, and bathing. Daily body fat readings are unique to each person, and depend upon one's lifestyle, job and activities.

What is Total Body Water Percentage?
Total Body Water Percentage is the total amount of fluid in a person's body expressed as a percentage of their total weight. Approximately 50 –65% of the weight of a healthy person is water. Water plays a vital role in many of the body's processes and is found in every cell, tissue and organ. Maintaining a healthy total body water percentage will ensure the body functions efficiently and will reduce the risk of developing associated health problems.

How To Measure Total Body Water?
Deuterium Dilution Method is currently used as a typical method to measure a total body water percentage. This instrument estimates the total body percentage by the analysis (Multiple Regression Analysis) based on the parameter found by the BIA method.
A mutuality over 0.8 is obtained between this instrument and the "deuterium dilution method".
Note: Deuterium Dilution Method is in terms of total body water based on the analysis of the dilution of orally ingested deuterium oxide in urine.

Healthy Total Body Water Percentage (%TBW)
The average total body water percentage ranges for a healthy adult are:
Female: 45 to 60%
Male: 50 to 65%
Note: The total body water percentage of a person with a high percentage of body fat may fall below the average healthy ranges.
Healthy Total Body Water Percentage

Daily Rhythm of Total Body Water
Try to measure total body water percentage at the same time of day and under the same conditions. This increases the accuracy of the readings. The best time is in the early evening, before the evening meal, when hydration levels are more stable. Total body water percentage tends to be underestimated to a degree if measured immediately after getting out of bed, not only because of dehydration but also because the fluid in the body will be stored centrally in the body's trunk. As the day progresses this fluid becomes more evenly distributed due to the effect of gravity.
On the contrary, it may be overestimated after exercise or taking a bath because of the movement of body water or a rise in the body temperature despite actual dehydration.

Important Notes

  • Take your measurements at the same time of day and under the same conditions.
  • Measured results depend on the movement of water in the body and/or changes in body temperature. Factorsaffecting total body water levels include sleep, physical activity, eating and drinking, illness and medications, bathing patterns and urination.
  • Take fluid immediately if you have any symptoms of dehydration, particularly after physical activity or bathing. Symptoms include a dry mouth, headache, nausea, dizziness, skin dryness, a rise in temperature, loss of concentration, etc. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.
  • Elderly people are at increased risk of dehydration as they have less sensitivity to thirst and other rational symptoms.
  • This instrument cannot be used to specifically determine an individual's recommended total body water percentage. Look for the long-term changes in total body water percentage and try to maintain a consistent, healthy total body water percentage.

FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
Measuring Platform

  1. Display Screen
  2. Set Button
  3. Arrow (Select) Buttons
  4. Ball-of-Foot Electrodes
  5. Heel Electrodes
  6. Weight-Only Key


Accessories

  1. AA-Size Batteries (4)

PREPARATIONS BEFORE USE

Inserting the Batteries


Open the battery cover on the back of the measuring platform. Insert the supplied AA-batteries as indicated.
Note: Be sure that the polarity of the batteries is set properly. If the batteries are incorrectly positioned the fluid may leak and damage floors. If you do not intend to use this unit for a long period of time, it is advisable to remove the batteries before storage.

Please note that the included batteries from factory may have decreased energy levels over time.

Positioning the Unit


Place the measuring platform on a hard, flat surface where there is minimal vibration to ensure safe and accurate measurement.
Note: To avoid possible injury, do not step on the edge of the platform.

Handling Tips

This monitor is a precision instrument utilizing state-of-the-art technology.
To keep the unit in the best condition, follow these instructions carefully:

  • Do not attempt to disassemble the measuring platform.
  • Store the unit horizontally, and place it so that the buttons will not be pressed accidentally.
  • Avoid excessive impact or vibration to the unit.
  • Place the unit in an area free from direct sunlight, heating equipment, high humidity, or extreme temperature change.
  • Never submerge in water. Use alcohol to clean the electrodes and glass cleaner (applied to a cloth first) to keep them shiny; avoid soaps.
  • Do not step on the platform when wet.
  • Do not drop any objects onto the platform.

USEFUL FEATURES

  • Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scales allow you to measure both weight and body fat percentage simultaneously and easily, simply by stepping on a scale.
  • Your Body Fat Monitor/Scale can be set for Adults or Children (ages 7-17), Male or Female.
  • Personal data (Female/Male, Age, Height) can be pre-set and stored in personal data memories.
  • Guest feature allows you to take readings without reprogramming one of the Personal keys.
  • The unit emits a helpful "beep" when activated, and also at various stages in the programming and measuring process. Listen for these sounds which will prompt you to step on the unit, look at your readings, or confirm a setting.

SWITCHING THE WEIGHT MODE

Note: For use only with models containing the weight mode switch

SWITCHING THE WEIGHT MODE
You can switch the unit indication by using the switch on the back of the scale as shown in the figure.
Note: If weight mode is set to pounds or stone-pounds, the height programming mode will be automatically set to feet and inches. Similarly, if kilograms is selected, height will be automatically set to centimetres.

AUTOMATIC SHUT-DOWN FUNCTION

The automatic shut-down function shuts off the power automatically in the following cases:

  • If you interrupt the measurement process. The power will shut down automatically within 10 to 20 seconds, depending upon the type of operation.
  • If an extraordinary weight is applied to the platform.
  • If you make a mistake during measurement or a key or button operation.
  • During programming, if you do not touch any of the keys or buttons within 60 seconds.
  • After you have completed the measuring process.

Note: If the power shuts off automatically, repeat the steps from "Setting and Storing Data in Memory".

GETTING ACCURATE READINGS

Note: An accurate reading will not be possible if the soles of your feet are not clean, or if your knees are bent or you are in a sitting position.


To ensure accuracy, readings should be taken without clothing and under consistent conditions of hydration. If you do not undress, always remove your socks or stockings, and be sure the soles of your feet are clean before stepping on the measuring platform. Be sure that your heels are correctly aligned with the electrodes on the measuring platform. Don't worry if your feet appear too large for the unit - accurate readings can still be obtained if your toes overhang the platform. It is best to take readings at the same time of day. Try to wait about three hours after rising, eating, or hard exercise before taking measurements. While readings taken under other conditions may not have the same absolute values, they are accurate for determining the percentage of change as long as the readings are taken in a consistent manner. To monitor progress, compare weight and body fat percentage taken under the same conditions over a period of time.

HOW TO DETERMINE BODY FAT PERCENTAGE

Setting and Storing Data in Memory
The unit can be operated only if data has been programmed into one of the personal data memories or the Guest mode.

  1. Turn on the Power
    Press the Set button to turn on the unit. The unit will beep to confirm activation, the Personal data number will be displayed, and the display will flash.
    Note: If you don't operate the unit for sixty seconds after the unit has been turned on, the unit will turn off automatically
  2. Select a Personal data Number
    Press the Up/Down buttons to select a Personal data number.
    Once you reach the Personal data number you wish to use, press the Set button.
    The unit will beep once to confirm.
  3. Set Age
    The display defaults to Age 30 (range of user age is between 7-99).
    An arrow icon appears on the lower left side to indicate Age setting.
    Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll through numbers.
    When you reach your age, press the Set button.
    The unit will beep once to confirm.
  4. Select Female or Male
    Use the Up/Down buttons to scroll through Female ( ), Male ( ) settings, then press the Set button. The unit will beep once to confirm.
  5. Specify the Height
    The display defaults to 5' 7.0" (170cm) (range of user is from 3' 4.0" – 7' 3.0" or 100cm – 220cm). Use the Up/Down buttons to specify Height and then press the Set button.
    The unit will beep twice and the display will flash all data (Male/Female, Age, Height.) three times to confirm the programming.
    The power will then shut down automatically.

TAKING WEIGHT MEASUREMENT ONLY

After programming your personal data you are ready to take a reading.

  1. Select Personal Data Number
    Press the Up button turn on. Use the Up/Down buttons to select your Personal data number. Press the Set button to confirm.
    (Release the key within 3 seconds or the display will show "Error".)
    The unit will beep and the display will show the programmed data.
    The unit will beep again and the display will show "0.0".
    Now step onto the platform.

Note:

  • If you step onto the platform before "0.0" appears the display will show "Error" and you will not obtain a reading. Furthermore, if you do not step onto the measuring platform within about 30 seconds after "0.0" appears, the power is shut-off automatically.
  • When using the "Up" button to turn the unit on, the personal data number last used will appear first.
  • Numbers that are not pre-programmed are automatically skipped.
  1. Get Your Readings
    Your weight will be shown first.
    Continue to stand on the platform.

"00000" will appear on the display and disappear one by one from left to right.

The display will then flash your %TBW, weight and %FAT alternately 3 times.
Note: Do not step off until Body Fat % is shown.


To obtain previous readings, press the SET button while the current readings are being displayed.
Press the SET button again to go back to the current Weight and Body Fat % result display.

PROGRAMMING THE GUEST MODE


The Guest mode allows you to use the monitor without losing the information already assigned to a Personal Data Number.
To program the Guest mode, use the Down button marked with a "G" to turn on the power. Then follow steps 3 through 5 in " Setting and Storing Data in Memory ". The unit will beep twice and the display will show "0.0". Step onto the platform. Next follow the directions for "Get Your Reading".

Note: If you step onto the platform before "0.0" appears the display will show "Error" and you will not obtain a reading.

TAKING WEIGHT MEASUREMENT ONLY


Select Weight-Only Mode
Using your toe, tap the Weight-only key. After 2 or 3 seconds, "0.0" will appear in the display and the unit will beep. When "0.0" appears in the display, step onto the platform. The body weight value will appear. If you remain on the platform, the display will flash for about 30 seconds, and then the power will automatically turn off. If you step off the platform, the weight will continue to show for about 5 seconds, then "0.0" will appear and the unit will shut off automatically.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR READING

Healthy Range Indicator
Your body fat monitor/scale automatically compares your body fat reading to the Healthy Body Fat Range chart.
Following your body fat percentage reading, a black bar will flash along the bottom of the display, identifying where you fall within the Body Fat Ranges for your age and gender. For example, if the squares appear above (0) area your range is within the Healthy Range – if they appear over (-) area, your reading is below the Healthy Range. For more about the Healthy Range, see "Principles of Estimating Body Fat Percentage".
Note: Range of user age is between 18-79

(-): Underfat; below the healthy body fat range. Increased risk for health problems.
(0): Healthy; within the healthy body fat percentage range for your age/gender.
(+): Overfat; above the healthy range. Increased risk for health problems.
(++): Obese; high above the healthy body fat range. Greatly increased risk of obesity-related health problems.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If the following problems occur...then...

  • A wrong weight format appears followed by kg, lb, or st-lb
    Refer to "Switching the Weight Mode".
  • "Lo" appears on the display, or all the data appears and immediately disappears.
    Batteries are low. When this message appears, be sure to replace the batteries immediately, since weak batteries will affect the accuracy of your measurements. Change all the batteries at the same time with new AA-size batteries.
    Note: Your settings will not be erased from the memory when you remove the batteries.
  • Error appears while measuring

Please stand on the platform keeping movement to a minimum.
The unit cannot accurately measure your weight if it detects movement.

  • The Body Fat Percentage measurement does not appear or "-----" appears after the weight is measured.
    Your personal data has not been programmed. Follow the steps on p.6.
    Make sure socks or stockings are removed, and the soles of your feet are clean and properly aligned with the guides on the measuring platform.
  • OL appears while measuring

Reading cannot be obtained if the weight capacity is exceeded.

  • Error % appears while measuring

The Body Fat Percentage is more than 75%, readings cannot be obtained from the unit.

Tanita UK Ltd.
The Barn, Philpots Close, Yiewsley,
Middlesex, UB7 7RY UK
Tel: +44 (0)1895 438577
Fax: +44 (0)1895 438511
www.tanita.co.uk

Tanita Corporation
14-2, 1-Chome, Maeno-Cho
Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 174-8630
Tel: +81(0)-3-3968-2123
Fax: +81(0)-3-3967-3766
www.tanita.co.jp

Tanita Europe GmbH
Dresdener Strasse 25
D-71065 Sindelfingen
Germany
Tel: +49 (0)-7031-6189-6
Fax: +49 (0)-7031-6189-71
www.tanita.de

Tanita Corporation of America Inc.
2625 South Clearbrook Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA
Tel: +1-847-640-9241
Fax: +1-847-640-9261
www.tanita.com

Tanita France S.A.
Villa Labrouste
68 Boulevard Bourdon
92200 Neuilly-Sur-Seine France
Tel: +33 (0)-1-55-24-99-99
Fax: +33(0)-1-55-24-98-68
www.tanita.fr

Tanita Health Equipment H.K. Ltd.
Unit 301-303 3/F Wing On Plaza
62 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2838 7111
Fax: +852 2838 8667

Documents / Resources

References

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