weight management, it is desirable that muscle mass be maintained while body fat is lost. Thus,
monitoring the percentage of fat in the body is an important step toward successful weight
management and thus beinghealthy.
The optimal %BF of an individual varies according to age and gender. The table as follows may
be used as a guide:
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2. How is percentagebody fat (%BF) estimated?
The percentage of BF is measured by a method called Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
The use of BIA to estimate body fat has been pioneered since the seventies. It was only in the past
decade that the estimation of body fat using BIA technology was successfully offered to the
consumer as a scale. With BIA technology, a low-intensity electric currentis sent through the
body. The currentis very low and causes no harm in your body. Depending on the amount of body
fat of the individual, the electric currentwill go with a different degree of difficulty. The difficulty
with which a currentgoes through the body is called electrical impedance. Hence, %BF can be
estimated by measuring the electrical impedance and applying to the data a proprietary algorithm.
Please note that the percentage of body fat, water content, bone mass and muscle mass will not be
added up to 100%.
Please be reminded that the %BF estimated with the scale represents only a good
approximation of your actual body fat. There exist clinical methods of estimating body fat
that can be ordered by your physician.
Reaching Target Weight
Maintaining proper weight is essential to healthy living. Obesity has been linked to a higher risk
of heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most
widely accepted measurement of weight according to health professionals. Use the chart below to
determine your own BMI by matching your height in the left hand column with your weight in
the center. Anyone, male or female, with a BMI of 25 to 29 is considered over weight and a body
mass index of 30 is considered obese. Remember to eat right and exercise.
