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How exactly is my body fat and water being measured?
The Salter Body Analyer Scale uses a measurement method known as Bioelectrical Impedance
Analysis (BIA). A minute current is sent through your body, via your feet and legs. This current flows
easily through the lean muscular tissue, which has a high fluid content, but not easily through fat.
Therefore, by measuring your body’s impedance (i.e. its resistance to the current), the quantity of
muscle can be determined. From this, the quantity of fat and water can then be estimated.
What is the value of the current passing through me when the measurement is taken?
Is it safe?
The current is less than 1mA, which is tiny and perfectly safe. You will not be able to feel it. Please
note however, that this device should not be used by anyone with an internal electronic medical
device, such as a pacemaker, as a precaution against disruption to that device.
If I measure my body fat and water at different times during the day, it can vary quite
considerably. Which value is correct?
Your body fat percentage reading varies with body water content, and the latter changes
throughout the course of the day. There is no right or wrong time of the day to take a reading, but
aim to take measurements at a regular time when you consider your body to be normally hydrated.
Avoid taking readings after having a bath or sauna, following intensive exercise, or within 1-2 hours
of drinking in quantity or eating a meal.
My friend has a Body Fat Analyser made by another manufacturer. When I used it I found that I
got a different body fat reading to that on my Salter Body Analyser Scale. Why is this?
Different Body Fat Analysers take measurements around different parts of the body and use different
mathematic algorithms to calculate the percentage of body fat. The best advice is to not make
comparisons from one device to another, but to use the same device each time to monitor any change.
How do I interpret my body fat and water percentage readings?
Please refer to the Body Fat and Water tables included with the product. They will guide you as to
whether your body fat and water reading falls into a healthy category (relative to your age and sex).
What should I do if my body fat reading is very ‘high?
A sensible diet, fluid intake and exercise program can reduce your body fat percentage. Professional
medical guidance should always be sought before embarking on such a program.
Why are the body fat percentage ranges for men and women so different?
Women naturally carry a higher percentage of fat than men, because the make-up of the body is
different being geared towards pregnancy, breastfeeding etc.
What should I do if my water percentage reading is ‘low’?
Ensure that you are regularly taking sufficient fluids and work towards moving your fat percentage
into the healthy range.
Why should I avoid using the Salter Body Analyser Scale whilst pregnant?
During pregnancy a woman’s body composition changes considerably in order to support the
developing child. Under these circumstances, body fat percentage readings could be inaccurate and
misleading.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GB
