Tanita Scales

[MikeyFXD35]

Since there isn't a equipment thread I will stick it here.

Tanita Scales
Anyone using these?
Which Model?
How accurate do you find it?

[elmatador]

i gotta check my model, but it was one of the more expensive ones. Anyway, its okay. Its like +3% error for me as compared to get the bf measured professionaly. The readings varies throughtout the day as well. I personally wouldn't buy it again

[MikeyFXD35]

i gotta check my model, but it was one of the more expensive ones. Anyway, its okay. Its like +3% error for me as compared to get the bf measured professionaly. The readings varies throughtout the day as well. I personally wouldn't buy it again

Most will vary depending on your on your hydration level .. My BF cam in 4% higher then the gym but uses the same technology. My weight seems fine? Oh well as long as its constant it is a good way to track your progress.

[kloan]

Bump it up...

Any more feedback on these Tanita scales?
I just got an Ironman one... the readings seem to be completely out of wack.

Any good ones out there someone can recommend me?

[RagingRandy]

In Tanita's literature they state that their scales are inaccurate for bodybuilders. GSXR has used one. They are OK for tracking your fat loss but I would not rely on one for "one off" measurements.

P.S. There are other threads discussing this issue.

[Andre]

These scales are not for bodybuilders... see below or call Tanita directly!

Q & A
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TANITA'S TBF SERIES OF BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALES
The following Q&A is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Tanita's Body Fat Monitor/Scales.

True Value
Q: Why is it important to measure body fat percentage?
A: Measuring weight alone is not an accurate assessment of a healthy lifestyle or a commitment to fitness. It is only half of the story, because it doesn't distinguish pounds that come from fat and those that come from lean muscle mass. Too much body fat results in obesity--one of the most prevalent health and fitness problems in the United States. According to new Government guidelines, approximately 97 million adult Americans--more than half of the population--are either overweight or obese.1
Q: Are there any illnesses direcly linked to obesity?
A: Obesity is direcly linked with Diabetes Type II, and is a contributing risk for many chronic conditions including hypertension, heart disease, sleep disorders, arthritis, gall bladder disease, and several forms of cancer.
Awareness and monitoring of body fat percentage is a motivational tool for any weight management program. Additionally, with any chronic degenerative disease, monitoring body fat and lean body mass is critical to evaluation, treatment, and management of the condition. This information is helpful in determining a suitable exercise and nutritional program on an individual basis.

Q: How does the Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale measure my body fat?
A: Tanita uses a state of the art method of body composition assessment called Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Body impedance is measured when a safe, low electrical signal (about 50kHz, 500 Ma) is passed through the body, carried by water and fluids. Fat tissue does not contain much water and creates resistance or impedance to the signal. (Fat is approximately 10-15% hydrated, wheras muscle is normally between 50-70%.) This impedance information is then used to estimate the amount of lean and fat tissue within the body.
Through a process called multiple regression analysis, Tanita has developed highly researched proprietary formulas that are based on impedance, height, weight, gender, body type (normal adult or athletic build), and in some cases, age. Tanita's reference method is Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), which many experts now believe is better than Hydrostatic Weighing because of its accuracy and reliability. All analytical methods use equations derived from large, multi-ethnic population studies to predict body composition.

The integrated monitor/scales are easy to use, provide clinically accurate results, and make body composition assessment accessible in professional environments as well as the home. Tanita's patented foot pad pressure-contact electrodes have revolutionized weight management.

Flexible
Q: Why do Tanita Monitor/Scales have different modes? Isn't fat just fat?
A: Tanita currently offers modes for three body types--Adult, Athlete, and Child--that engage the appropriate prediction equation contained in the monitor's computer chip. For example, the more athletic a person is, the more muscle they have and the more water. Therefore, the electrical signal encounters less resistance when it passes through this type of body, and the monitor must be specially calibrated. Tanita's equations are generalized based on standard population data for male/female adults, athletes, and children.
Q: What are the criteria for the different modes?
A: Child Mode for children up to the age of 18, over 3.6 ft.(107 cm ) tall, whose bodies are still developing.

Adult Mode for adults aged 18 or older who have moderately active or sedentary lifestyles.

Athlete Mode for adults involved in intense physical activity (approximately 10 hours per week) and who have a resting heart rate of approximately 60 beats per minute or less--excluding professional athletes and bodybuilders. Exceptions to Tanita's athlete description may include "Lifetime of Fitness" individuals and/or "Enthusiastic Beginners" whose bodies have not yet reached "athlete" status.

Q: Are there people for whom the monitor is not appropriate?
A: Although there are no known health risks, some categories of people are advised not to use the monitor:
Pregnant women and people with pacemakers.
People who exceed the weight capacity of the scale (models vary) and/or exceed 75% body fat.
Professional athletes and bodybuilders. However, in most cases, the unit may be used to successfully monitor trends and accurately show degrees of change.

Accurate
Q: How accurate and reliable are Tanita's products?
A: Independent research at several major universities (including Columbia University in New York City) has confirmed that in clinical settings, the Tanita Body Fat Monitor is accurate within +/- 5 percentage points of the institutional standard--Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). (There is no 100% accurate method to measure exact percentage of body fat--other than an autopsy.) Tarrita believes they have developed the most convenient method to accurately predict body composition; results are repeatable to within +/- 1 percent variation when used under consistent conditions.
Q: What conditions might cause skewed results or an 'Error' reading in the display?
A: Severe dehydration or over-hydration which may result from alcohol or food consumption, sleep, intense exercise, or pre-menstruation
A very full bladder.
Severe calluses on heels or soles of feet (about 1/400 people tested).
Unclean foot pads may interfere with conductivity.
Nylons interfere with conductivity. If it is absolutely necessary to measure in nylons, use a drop of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol on the foot pads to act as a conductor.

Q: What are the optimal conditions for measuring body fat percentage?
A: Between 5-6:00 p.m.
With an empty bladder
When normally hydrated.
Things that can affect hydration include:
- strenuous exercise
- recent food intake
- diuretics such as caffeine, alcohol, certain medications

If the recommended time is not convenient, select one that is, and stick to it consistently. Early morning or before bed are not recommended because the body is often dehydrated. Once you have established your baseline, measure body fat about twice a month.

Q: How long will this monitor/scale last? Is there a warranty?
A: The product's length of durability, accuracy, and reliability is measured by the amount of times it is used, not calendar time. All of Tanita's monitor/scales are extremely reliable, providing up to 10,000 uses or more. There is a one-year warranty for parts and labor; an "After Warranty" is also available (see Warranty Card).
Q: What type of maintenance is necessary?
A: There is simply no maintenance other than the use of alcohol to wipe the foot pads clean and to use glass cleaner to keep them shiny--always apply to a cloth first and then to the product; avoid soaps.
Q: How would I know if my Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale needs re-calibrating?
A: An "Error" or "Sub" code might appear on the readout; the digital display might not "zero out" after your last measurement; or the results might be erratic and non-repeatable. Call customer service at 1-800-TANITA-8.


1. Federal clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults, NHLBI and NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, 1998.

[jamex]

I use one. Don't recall which model. I don't trust the readout directly however I do put some faith in the trending achieved. I typically weigh myself in the morning before I eat, but after I use the bathroom... and while I think the % is high, the decreasing trend coincides with the mirror results too. If I measure at 5-6pm its typically 2-3% less so it definitely fluctuates throughout the day. I'm happy to just assume the highest reading to be accurate and then if it turns out I'm actually lower then its a nice bonus.

It's useful enough IMO.

[kloan]

In Tanita's literature they state that their scales are inaccurate for bodybuilders. GSXR has used one. They are OK for tracking your fat loss but I would not rely on one for "one off" measurements.

P.S. There are other threads discussing this issue.

I searced for 'tanita scales', this was the most recent thread I found.

Anyway, that sucks they aren't useful for bodybuilders.. with a name like Ironman, you'd think it would be.. lol.

Oh well... I can at least use it to monitor the BF% when I diet. Hopefully it'll at least be accurate enough to show that reading go down as I lose weight.

[tiramisu]

sadly they suck, i've got an accumeasure caliper and while i can get a consistent measure, the tables don't end up giving me a good estimate of my bodyfat BUT at least i can see whether my skin is getting thinner (so they suck too).

The digital camera is the best way for me to guess my bodyfat. I can tell within a 2-3% , I know what I look like at 20%, 16% smooth but my stomach is starting to have a shape, At 13%'ish I start to fantasize that I can see my abs. 12%-10% I can see my abs and my belly and love handles go away, under 10% I don't really know but I'm hoping to find before spring thaw.

[kloan]

Haha, me too man... I'm determined to finally rid myself of the chub.