Body Fat & Water Scales

Being overweight doesn't necessarily mean you're overfat. Overfat conditions can exist with a normal or low body weight. Assessment of body fat percentages can be performed with specially designed scales used to measure body density and body fat percentages.

Function

Your body weight consists of lean body mass and body fat. Two types of fat are found on your body: essential fat and storage fat. Storage fat is situated just under your skin and functions to insulate and protect your organs and provide stored energy, according to Dr. Len Kravitz in his article titled "Getting a Grip on Body Composition." Your body fat percentage is the comparison of the amount of storage fat to your total body weight. Optimal percentages are between 8 percent and 15 percent for men, and 18 percent to 25 percent for women, according to Sports Fitness Advisor.

Effects

Having a body fat percentage above 15 percent for men and 25 percent for women is considered a health risk. Such readings bring an increased chance of developing high cholesterol levels, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems. Programs to reduce body fat percentages include exercise and proper nutrition. By reducing the amount of calories eaten and increasing the number of calories burned, excess storage fat is used for energy to meet the increased demands of exercise. Body fat percentage assessments taken before and during diet and exercise programs will ensure that weight loss is from stored body fat and not from lean muscle tissue, according to Fitday.com.

Types

Body composition assessments can be performed using a body fat or water scale analyzer. The scale uses bioelectrical impedence analysis to measure body density that factors into a prediction of body fat percentage. A harmless electric current is transmitted through your body resulting in different speeds when traveling through muscle compared to fat. These differences distinguish the amount of both substances in your body.

Factors

The validity or accuracy of the body fat and water scale depends on several factors, including body temperature, time of day, activity prior to testing and changes in your circulation. To control the factors, the scale should be used at the same time of day and under similar circumstances. Sex, age and height are variables used by the scale when determining body fat percentages.

Expert Insight

Body fat and water scale measurements are convenient, inexpensive and can be performed without assistance, but the reliability and accuracy can be questionable. To reduce the chance of inaccurate readings, try to control the factors that can diminish accuracy (i.e., time of day, before exercise, having a full stomach.) First-time participants should consult a physician prior to starting an exercise program.