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BMI — What Is It?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, a statistical term derived from height and weight.
It is closely linked to body fat and health outcomes. Over 50 organisations,
including the Australian and New Zealand Goverments and the World Health
Organisation, have adopted BMI guidelines. BMI is inversely related to fitness,
meaning that the higher your BMI, the less likely you are to be fit. Every time your
body analysis monitor reads your weight and calculates your body fat, it also
calculates your BMI. Along with your weight and your body fat measurements, the
BMI reading gives you yet one more tool to monitor your health and fitness.
Body water/hydration levels
General health standards indicate that one should consume approximately 2L
of water per day from food and liquids to maintain a healthy level of hydration.
Maintaining a good hydration level will help improve your overall health and general
feeling of well-being. If your hydration levels are lower than average, you should
increase your water intake accordingly.
Body water/hydration level – how is it measured?
The hydration level is measured by using Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA).
The same analysis that is used to calculate your body fat is used to calculate your
hydration level. Taking into consideration a user’s age and gender, a calculation is
made that determines the percentage of water.
Please note: It is not recommended to take the hydration measurements in
certain situations, such as following exercise, after drinking a glass of water, or
directly prior to, during or shortly after menstrual cycles. Hydration may not be at
normal levels during these times.
Bone Mass — What Is It?
Bone is a living, growing tissue. During youth, your body makes new bone
tissue faster than it breaks down older bone. In young adulthood, bone mass is
at its peak; after that, bone loss starts to outpace bone growth, and bone mass
decreases. But it’s a long and very slow process that can be slowed down even
more through calcium-rich diets and weight-bearing exercise.
Who should monitor bone mass?
Most people have no need to monitor bone mass, but certain groups – post-
menopausal women, men and women with certain diseases, and anyone who
takes medications that affect bone tissue – might want to watch for decreases in
bone mass. The bone mass reading is to be used as guide only. Watch for trends
over time and contact your healthcare provider for a more detailed explanation of
the readings and with any questions or concerns.
Weight and Body Fat
How does it work?
While body fat can be measured in many ways, the method used in your scale
is bioelectrical impedance. This indirect method of determining body fat starts when
a safe and very low electrical current is sent through the lower half of the body.
The electrical current flows more quickly through water and muscle than it will
through bone and fat. The scale measures the speed of the current. Based on this
number, the scale estimates body fat using a multi-step, mathematical formula.
Is it accurate?
Measurements of body fat tend to fluctuate a lot more than simple weighing,
and different methods of estimating body fat yield very different results. Just as
different scales give different results, different body fat analysers can provide
very different body fat estimates. Even with the same scale the numbers will
vary because:
• Weight loss tends to produce substantial, continuous, and unpredictable changes
in body water content. Because body fat analysis is determined by water content
in the body, results can vary considerably from day to day.
• Hydration status affects body fat results. If you’ve just worked out, there is less
water for the electrical current to flow through. This may result in a higher body
fat result. In the same way, if you measure your body fat after drinking a lot of
fluid, it may appear that body fat is lower than it really is.
• Skin temperature can have an influence also. Measuring body fat in warm, humid
weather when skin is moist will yield a different result than if skin is cold and dry.
• As with weight, when your goal is to change body composition it is better to track
trends over time than to use individual daily results.
• Results may not be accurate for persons under the age of 18, or persons with
an elevated body temperature, diabetes or other health conditions.
What you need to know!
• Percent body fat refers to the number of kilograms of fat divided by your total
body weight and multiplied by 100.
• During weight loss, percent body fat doesn’t appear to be reduced as quickly
as expected because total weight loss and total body fat are decreasing at the
same time (for a more detailed explanation, see next section).
• Weight loss in the form of body fat and lean tissue (muscle) is common, and
is normal.
• To minimise the loss of lean tissue, include regular physical activity, especially
strength training, in your weight-loss plan.
Why do I lose weight but my body fat percentage doesn’t change much?
Remember that your WW body fat monitor is showing your body fat as a
percentage, not as an absolute number of kilograms. At the beginning of a weight
loss program, a person may weigh 100kg and show 30% body fat, equaling 30kg of
fat (30% of 100 kg = 30kg). A few weeks later, the same person may have lost a
substantial amount of weight. Weight is now at 90kgs, yet body fat is still at 30%.
Why? Did that person not lose any fat? Yes, they did. At 90kgs with 30% body fat,
the person now has 27kgs of body fat (30% of 90kgs = 27kgs), meaning that 3kgs
of the total 10kgs lost were fat. So, do not be overly concerned if your percentage
of body fat does not change despite the fact that you are losing weight.
Remember, to minimise the loss of lean tissue include regular physical activity,
especially strength training, in your weight loss plan.
Here are 5 rules for effectively monitoring your weight – weigh yourself:
To keep track of your weight, record only one number for the week.
This will give you a clear picture of any trend your weight is following.
When You’re Maintaining Weight
Fluctuations in day-to-day weight tend to be smaller when weight is stable,
so a more frequent weigh-in pattern is helpful. To maintain a stable weight:
• Weigh yourself more often than once a week.
• Research shows that people who keep weight within a 2-3kg range are more
likely to maintain a healthy body weight over the long term.
Facts You Should Know
Your WW Scale is a precise measuring instrument that is most
accurate when weighing a stationary object. To ensure accurate readings, place
the scale on a hard, flat surface (not carpet). With bare feet always try to stand on
the same area of the scale platform and DO NOT MOVE. Should the weight on the
scale exceed the scale’s capacity, you may see an error message “Err”.
Electronic sensors are sensitive. Be careful not to drop or jar the scale.
Place it gently onto floor surface, and store where it will be protected from impact.
The scale is an electronic instrument and should never be submerged in water.
Clean with damp cloth and/or glass cleaner.
In the event that the scale batteries need to be replaced (display shows “Lo”),
remove the screw from the battery cover on the bottom of the scale and remove
the cover. Replace the old batteries with 3 new AAA alkaline batteries. Clean the
battery contacts and also those of the device prior to battery installation. Ensure
the batteries are installed correctly with regard to polarity, then replace the battery
cover and tighten the screw. Remove batteries from equipment that is not to be
used for an extended period of time. Remove used batteries promptly. Dispose of
the old batteries properly. Do not attempt to open the scale or to remove
any components. Servicing should be done by qualified technicians only.
See warranty information provided.
• Once a week, on the same day of
the week
• At the same time of day
• In the same place
• Wearing the same clothes
• Using the same scale
Before Using Scale
Precautions for Use
CAUTION! Use of this device by persons with any electrical implant such
as a heart pacemaker, or by pregnant women, is not recommended.
1. Remove all packaging materials.
2. Remove the isolator tab from the battery compartment – without opening the
battery cover at the bottom of the scale, gently pull out the isolator tab. In case
the tab cannot be pulled out, if it does not completely pull out or if the display
does not light up even when you step on the scale, remove the screw from the
battery cover, remove the cover and gently pull out the isolator tab. Ensure the
batteries are installed correctly and then replace the battery cover and tighten the
screw.
3. For best accuracy, place scale on tile or hardwood floor, rather than uneven,
flexible or soft flooring (such as carpet).
Using Voice Mode
To activate voice mode, press the switch on the back of the scale when the scale is
on. You will hear the voice of “Hello!” and the icon in fig 1 below will appear on the
display screen.
To turn off the voice mode, press the switch on the back of the scale when the
scale is on. You will hear the voice of “Goodbye!” and the icon in fig 2 below will
appear on the display screen.
Note: The voice on and off switch cannot activate during user data setting mode
and body analysis mode.
Using the Weight Only Mode
Instructions for customising your WW Body Analysis Scale are provided. However,
the scale does not need to be programmed to operate as a simple weight scale.
1. Step on the scale and stand still to measure your weight. The display will blink
and the speaker will say “HELLO” if the voice mode is turned on, and will not
read out if voice mode is turned off. The voice icon will appear on screen if voice
mode is turned on
, and will not read out if voice mode is turned off .
2. The weight reading stays lit for several seconds. Then the scale will shut off
automatically.
Body Analysis Table
Always keep in mind that you know your body best. The following ranges of body
fat, BMI, body water and bone mass are offered as guides.
Make the most of it!
To summarise, make the most of the body analysis feature by:
• Tracking change over time and not day to day.
• Using the same scale as much as possible.
• Being extra-consistent in the time of day, day of the week, time before or after
food and fluid consumption, before or after exercise, etc., when measuring
body composition.
While a scale can be a useful tool on your wellness journey, it’s not a complete
program. Come to a WW Workshop www.ww.com/au/workshop or join online to
learn how to build healthy eating habits, shift your mindset, become more active
and understand how to better manage your weight.
In Australia: 13 19 97 or www.ww.com/au
In New Zealand: 0800 009 009 or www.ww.com/nz
Important Information Concerning
Weight Management
Your scale is the best tool for monitoring weight. While not the only measure
of weight loss, scales are the most popular method used to gauge weight-loss
success. A scale measures the sum of your total body weight, which includes
bone, muscle, fat, and water.
Body weight fluctuates during the day, and from day to day,
depending on a variety of factors.
• Salt and carbohydrate intake can affect the body’s water retention.
• A large meal adds weight and can cause water retention.
• Dehydration from exercise, illness, or low fluid intake can result in weight loss.
• Muscle is also a factor. Heavy-duty resistance training can build muscle,
which can affect weight.
• The menstrual cycle can cause temporary weight gains and losses.
When You’re Losing Weight
It’s important not to put too much stock in the exact number on the scale,
because it can and will vary. This is especially true when you’re dieting. Small
weight gains and losses are common as your body adjusts to fewer calories to
kilojoules and more exercise. Your scale is a valuable tool when used to track
weight over a period of weeks and months. Be aware that different scales often
give different results. The scale at your doctor’s office may show one weight, and
your scale at home another. So don’t get too caught up with a single number.
Don’t Overdo It!
We generally recommend weighing yourself no more than once a week as part
of an overarching wellness plan. Though it is hard to stick to this pattern, it’s the
best way to prevent unnecessary concern with normal weight fluctuations, which
are unrelated to your weight-loss efforts. Regardless of your weighing habits, it’s
important that you’re consistent.
lower normal higher
low than than high
normal normal
BMI <20 20-25 25+
Body Fat
age % % % % %
Male 20-29 <13% 13.1-18% 18.1-23% 23.1-28% 28.1%+
30-39 <14 14.1-19 19.1-24 24.1-29 29.1+
40-49 <15 15.1-20 20.1-25 25.1-30 30.1+
50-59 <16 16.1-21 21.1-26 26.1-31 31.1+
60-69 <17 17.1-22 22.1-27 27.1-32 32.1+
Female 20-29 <18 18.1-23 23.1-28 28.1-33 33.1+
30-39 <19 19.1-24 24.1-29 29.1-34 34.1+
40-49 <20 20.1-25 25.1-30 30.1-35 35.1+
50-59 <21 21.1-26 26.1-31 31.1-36 36.1+
60-69 <22 22.1-27 27.1-32 32.1-37 37.1+
Body Water
age % % % % %
Male 20-69 <46.4% 46.5-49.9% 50-65% 65.1-70% 70.1%+
Female 20-69 <43.9 44-44.9 45-60 60.1-67.6 67.7+
Bone Mass
age % % %
Male 20-29 <7.6% 7.6-8.4% 8.5%+
30-39 <7.4 7.4-8.2 8.3+
40-49 <7.0 7-7.8 7.9+
50-59 <6.6 6.6-7.4 7.5+
60-69 <6.3 6.3-7.1 7.2+
Female 20-29 <6.2% 6.2-7% 7.1%+
30-39 <6.0 6-6.8 6.9+
40-49 <5.6 5.6-6.4 6.5+
50-59 <5.2 5.2-6 6.1+
60-69 <4.9 4.9-5.7 5.8+
fig 1
fig 2
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