Tanita- A step toward better health
Understanding your body composition readings
This analysis includes a number of measurements providing an in-depth look at your body composition. You and your health professional can use this analysis to assess your current health, and to develop a fitness and nutrition program that, over time, will maximize your health.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a standard height to weight ratio useful for classifying risks associated with weight gain. The World Health Organization (WHO) classification has been developed using the following grading system that links increases in BMI to increased health risks.
Body mass index
<18.5
18.5 – 24.9
25.0 – 29.9
30+
Who Classification
Underweight
Healthy Weight
Overweight
Obese
Fat Percentage
Body fat is vital to daily body functions. It cushions joints, protects organs, helps regulate body temperature, and stores vitamins. However, serious health risks are associated with both too much, and too little body fat. Compare your results to your “Desirable Range” on the bottom of the print out, or you can download the form at the top of the website under the “Forms” tab. By design, women’s bodies require a higher percentage of body fat to be healthy.
BMR
Basal Metabolic Rate reflects the amount of calories used by the body to maintain normal functions when at rest. Daily activities and exercise increase BMR by approximately 15%. BMR helps you establish just how many calories your body needs in a day to achieve proper energy balance.
Impedance
Measured in Ohms (omega symbol), the Impedance value reflects the strength and speed of an electrical signal traveling through the body. Muscle is the signal’s highway, and fat mass is like a traffic jam. More muscle means it’s easier for the signal to pass through your body, resulting in a lower impedance value and % of body fat. Consistent conditions and stable hydration status are not only healthy, but will also yield consistent results.
Fat Mass
The body needs fat, but it is important to keep your fat within the recommended range. Compare your personal result to your “Desirable Range” at the bottom of the print out, and focus specifically on fat mass when dieting or exercising.
Fat Free Mass (FFM)
Fat Free Mass is everything in the body that is not fat; muscle, water, bone, connective tissue, etc. Muscle acts as the body’s natural “fat-burning engine,” therefore it is important to maintain or even gain healthy muscle mass when exercising or dieting.
Total Body Water (TBW)
Reflects Total Body Water. It is important to ensure your body is not dehydrated, especially when exercising or dieting. Use the equation below to calculate and compare your hydration level to the recommended ranges:
_______/_______x 100= _______________________
TBW Weight Estimated Hydration Level %
Note: Individuals who are severely dehydrated may receive an inaccurate measurement.
Female: 45-60%
Male: 50-65%
*Based on Tanita’s current research
Desirable Ranges
Everybody needs fat. These healthy ranges display how much you should have in terms of % and weight. Research shows that individuals with appropriate amounts of fat are less likely to develop obesity-related health conditions.
Target Body Fat Percentage
Set a realistic goal for body fat %. Tanita then calculates the approximate amount of fat mass, not just overall weight, but specifically fat mass that needs to be lost in order to achieve the pre-selected target. Always try to maintain FFM when dieting.