Frequently asked questions

• Can you use a Body Composition Monitor if pregnant?

  Since Body Composition Monitors measure the electrical conductivity of the soft tissues of the human body, this conductivity (and thus the calculated fat %) may be influenced by the large amount of fluid a woman carries during her pregnancy.

  Secondly, since the weight of the pregnant woman is also significantly higher than normal, this may also influence the final estimation of the fat %.

   

• I see that OMRON produces three different types of Body Composition Monitors, what are the differences? Is one better than the other?

  The three types are ‘hand to hand’, ‘foot to foot’ and ‘hands to feet’. In the ‘hand to hand’ method only the upper portion of the body is measured. These values can vary significantly during the course of the day. In the ‘foot to foot’ method the lower portion of the body is measured. As with the ‘hand to hand’ method, these values can vary significantly during the day. The ‘hands to feet’ method takes the whole body into account and therefore provides a more accurate measurement than the other two methods. Also, the value deviation during the day is much less compared to the other two methods.
  All three types provide an accurate picture of your Body Fat as well as the Body Mass Index (BMI). The possible differences between the three are minimal if one were to do a side by side comparison at any given time. Bear in mind that as with any monitoring procedure be it blood pressure, temperature or body composition – being consistent (= time of day), is the most important factor

• I understand the Body Composition Monitors use an electric current to measure body fat. Is this electric current dangerous?

  OMRON Body Composition Monitors pass a very weak alternating current (50 kHz, 0.5 mA [milliamp]) through the body.

  This is absolutely safe.
  However, for wearers of electronic medical devices and implants (pacemakers, electrocardiograms, etc.), this current may cause a malfunction. This group of people is strongly advised NOT to use these monitors.

• What is Body Mass Index?

  It is a measure for assessing a person’s body weight. Since overweight is a growing global problem, the Body Mass Index is used to point out the associated risks.
  However, BMI only provides a rough guide value and it is disputed since it does not take into account a persons build or the composition of the body weight in terms of fatty and muscle tissue, which vary by individual.

• What is High Frequency Electrotherapy and how does it work?

  High frequency stimulation is effective for acute (nerve) pain and is said to be especially useful in the immediate blockage of pain transmission compared to low-frequency stimulation. A ‘High Frequency’ button is standard on the more feature rich models of the Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulator (TENS)devices.

• Why can a Body Composition Monitor not be used by body builders?

  The estimation formula in the device is based on a large study of 'normal' muscular subjects only. Body-builders were not included in this (validation) study. Therefore due to the different body-composition properties of body-builders, the indicated fat % may not be reliable.

  Secondly, OMRON Body Composition Monitors make an estimation of body fat %, based on a number of parameters:
  Electrical impedance (measured by the device)
  Height of the person (input by user)
  Weight of the person (input by user)
  Age of the person and (input by user)
  Gender of the person (input by user)
  If body builders were to measure their fat % by means of the BIA (Bio Impedance Analysis) method, the large amount of muscle tissue and low water-content, the measured impedance will be relatively low and possibly unstable. However, since body-weight also contributes significantly to the calculation and body-weight is relatively high for body-builders, the final measured fat % will be too low and unstable and thus unpredictable.

• Why should a Body Composition Monitor not be used when you have a cardiac pacemaker?

  Any Body Composition Monitor based on the BIA (Bio Impedance Analysis) principle, sends a weak electrical current through the body. This electrical current cannot be sensed by a person, but a cardiac pacemaker may pickup the signal and could become unpredictable.

• What is the sense of measuring visceral fat?

  Visceral fat = fat surrounding internal organs Too much visceral fat is thought to be closely linked to increased levels of fat in the bloodstream, which can lead to common diseases such as hyperlipidaemia and diabetes, which impairs the ability of insulin to transfer energy from the bloodstream and using it in cells. In order to prevent or improve conditions of common diseases, it is important to try and reduce visceral fat levels to an acceptable level. People with high visceral fat levels tend to have large stomachs. However, this is not always the case and high visceral fat levels can lead to metabolically obese. Metabolically obese (visceral obesity with normal weight) represents fat levels that are higher than average, even if a person’s weight is at or below the standard for their height.

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Contact us via the email: omronhealthcare@htherapy.co.za