Health O Meter BFM950 - Manual (Page 10)

Measuring estimated body fat and weight together gives you a
more accurate picture of your total fitness. As part of a fitness plan,
it helps you set more realistic goals, and better reflects a positive
healthy change in your overall body composition. Unlike weight,
body fat levels do not fluctuate in response to gains or losses of
muscle or water content.
Body fat isn’t always visible, and traditional scales can’t measure it.
Is All Body Fat Bad?
Everyone has some body fat. In fact, “Essential” body fat helps
keep you healthy. It cushions and insulates your joints, tissues and
vital organs. It helps regulate body temperature. It stores important
vitamins. It even helps the body sustain itself when food is scarce. If
you had too little body fat, your body would start breaking down
muscle tissue for energy.
Too much body fat, however, can lead to serious health problems,
including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes,
stroke, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and other
respiratory disorders, and certain types of cancer.
How Much Body Fat is Right for Me?
Here are some guidelines for determining a healthy body fat per-
centage. However, to determine the body fat range that’s right for
you, we recommend you consult your doctor.
Body Composition Analyzer Healthy Body Fat Guidelines
Under 30 Years Old Over 30 Years Old
Women 17% to 24% 20% to 27%
M e n 14% to 20% 17% to 23%
8