Tanita bodyfat monitor/scale

[alambrose]

I bought the Tanita scale, model# TBF-551, and have been using it for almost a year. I am wondering what others using the Tanita scales think about its accuracy in measuring bodyfat. As for body weight, this scale is excellent... I can step on and off the scale several times in a row and get the exact same weight. I have used it to weight known items [eg a bag of protein powder, etc], and it gives the correct weight even for small items like that.

According to the instructions, your level of hydration affects the bodyfat readings, and it is best to take your readings at the same time each nite... I have found this to be true. Also, because I do so much cardio, I use the "Athlete" mode and this appears to give me a truer reading.

I have been on a low carb diet for the past couple of months and have seen my readings come down from 13-14%, to current levels of 8-10%... I can also see my abs now so I am figuring this thing must be giving me a fairly decent reading.

Anybody else using a Tanita have ideas or comments? Has anyone compared it to actual bodyfat analysis (not calipers)?

 

[Makallus]

Yea I have a TBF551. I measure myself at 3:00 am every morning after i wake up and drag myself to the gym because I feel that I am at the most constant state of hydration and digestion. I find that my first reading is high (1-2%) and subsequent readings are lower. I measure myself about 4 times in the morning--or untill the scale gives me the same reading twice. I find that the number is way higher (2-4%) in the morning than if I measure at 3:00pm. I don't think that the scale gives an accurate measurement however it seems to work well tracking comopistion trends. I can tell if my diet is helping me lose/gain lean mass or adipose or water weight on a daily basis. I would recommend calipers for a more accurate and consitant reading. To see a chart of my progress using the TBF551 over 4 months:

http://www.imt.net/~smithm/nutrition.htm

 

[alambrose]

Thanks for the reply!

As for the down-trend in the fat readings (you mention stepping on it several times until it returns the same result twice)... I have noticed this as well.

For awhile I was trying various ways of using the numbers... weight and fat several times per day and compute averages. Or, weight and fat once per evening at the same time each nite, and then weekly compute the average of 5 days (eliminating the highest and lowest bodyfat readings of the week, assuming these to be aberrations).

The second method probably provided the best results as far as keeping track of fat with a relatively stable trend line.