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| Looking fat is not necessarily the same as being fat |
Uses for the Scales
Many people will think that a weighing scale is sufficient since one can always determine obesity in a person. Just look at the number on the scale and then compare it with the ideal weight for a person in the age and height range the individual belongs to. But that's not the entire story.
This is because the weight as indicated on the weighing scale does not distinguish between the pounds that come from fat in your body and from lean body mass. Only a fat weight scale can accomplish such important differentiation.
So, how do body fat scales work? Basically, it works by using a technology known as Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The individual steps on the scale, just as in the conventional weighing scale.
Then, a small electrical current - it's harmless, so no worries there - is passed through the body. The fat weight scale then measures the resistance encountered inside the body with the theory being that the current will pass through lean muscle mass faster than it does on fatty tissues.
The resulting amount is the fat percentage, of which the ideal percentages will differ depending on the age, sex and height of the individual being measured. For example, women 20 to 40 years old are said to have healthy body fat percentages from 21 to 33%. In the same age group, men are considered healthy when their body fat measured at 8 to 19%.
Still, it must be noted that fat scales cannot measure actual body fat percentage. Instead, these measure your body density, which will then be used in a formula that calculates the fat percentage for the individual. Differences in age, gender, physical activity, and general health must also be considered but, all in all, the body fat weight scales are important in monitoring one's health in relation to weight and body fat.
Tips on Using the Scales
The trick in using body fat scales for maximum results is to use these devices with consistency. When used properly, an individual has a more-or-less objective measurement of his progress toward overall physical fitness. The following tips should help in this regard.
• Choose the body fat scale calibrated for the individual's age range (adults or children), physical activity (average exerciser or serious athlete) and other personal factors
• Consistent conditions are very important to secure comparable results. Thus, the room temperature and other physical conditions where the scale is located must be similar from one day to the next.
• Measure yourself during the same time each day, as much as possible.
• Before measuring yourself, drink the same amount of water an hour before actually stepping on the scale. But remember not to exercise before the actual measurement as it will affect the number shown on the scale as well.
The body fat scales are just devices - you have to take the necessary measures to use them properly.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Uses-and-Tips-on-Using-the-Digital-Body-Fat-Scales&id=5695245 - How do Body Fat Scales Work
