5F50.10 • Bioelectrical Impedance: Fat Percentage Monitor
Photo shows the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin.
Concepts Conveyed:
- Bioelectrical Impedance: a method for estimating body composition by measuring how easily a low-voltage electrical current flows through the body’s tissues. The voltage is measured to calculate the impedance of the body.
- Fat acts as an insulator due to having less water in comparison to lean tissues, creating more resistance.
Instructions/Notes:
- Input personal data into the device before starting:
- Press ‘on/off’ to turn on the device. ‘GUEST’ will blink on the screen. Hit ‘Set’
- Use the ‘Down’ or ‘Up’ buttons to set your mode: either normal or athlete based on FIT index. To determine FIT index, refer to page 8 of the manual.
- Input your height, weight, age, and sex, using the ‘Down’ and ‘Up’ buttons as necessary. Press ‘Set’ after each category to continue.
- Click ‘Start’ once all settings are correct. It will only start measuring once both hands are grasping the handles, covering as much of the metallic panels as possible. The handles are where the electrodes are.
- Note: this device should not be seen as 100% accurate as factors such as temperature, water content (being over-hydrated/dehydrated), and electrolyte concentration can influence estimation accuracy.
Demo Staff:
- Help the instructor with setting up their personal data if they require it.
Photo above shows the correct position and posture for reading, from the manual: OMRON Healthcare, Inc., 2009, Fat Loss Monitor Instruction Manual
Last updated on November 6, 2025