Helpful Hints | The Products | Bodystat

Helpful Hints

1. To obtain good reproducible measurements of body composition results on the same subject:

  • Ensure subject is as normally hydrated as possible;
  • Ensure that weight scales are accurate and regularly calibrated;
  • Ensure that the flooring material on which the scale is placed and where height measurements are taken, is solid and firm. Spongy carpet material and old sagging wooden floors may give inaccurate measurements;
  • Ensure that the height measurement used is exactly the same as in previous tests (unless the subject is still in a growing stage of development). A change of 1cm (less than 0.5") in height can affect the percentage fat reading by approximately 0.5% to 1% depending on the circumstances;
  • Measure height in cm rather than ft and inches - it is a more precise measurement;
  • Check on the posture of subject when measuring height - body should be upright;
  • DON'T weigh or measure height with shoes on;
  • DON'T measure immediately before or during the menstrual cycle;
  • DON'T simply estimate weight of clothing then deduct a standard weight for all subjects;
  • DON'T sit up or stand for the BODYSTAT measurement - subject must be lying down in supine position;
  • Allow the subject to lie in this supine position for 3 to 4 minutes before performing the short test. Latest scientific research recommends this practice to allow fluid levels to stabilize in the body when it is positioned from a standing up position to a lying down position;
  • Inner thighs must not touch (use a towel if necessary) - this is a common problem when the couch on which the test is being performed is too narrow;
  • Try measuring the same time of day for each subject wherever practicable;
  • Ensure correct placement of electrodes particularly on the wrist and ankle - placing either electrode only 1 cm (0.5") off the imaginary line can affect the fat percent quite substantially. The electrode placement behind the knuckles and toes is not as sensitive;
  • Use electrodes only once - second time use results in loss of conductivity of the gel between the electrode and skin, increasing impedance values and hence % fat measurement;
  • Keep the BODYSTAT electrodes in the plastic pouch provided to prevent them from drying out;
  • DON'T cut the electrodes in half.

2.   DON'T monitor changes in % lean - rather use the lean weight, % fat and the recommend optimal weight ranges (many users have made this mistake.)

3. RESULTS OUT OF RANGE - when this message is displayed on the LCD screen of your BODYSTAT® unit, please read your User's Guide. Sometimes, it may also be necessary to re-produce these results using the regression equation for competitive athletes found in the WINDOWS Body Manager software program.

4. Check calibration weekly/monthly depending on usage. Please read your User's Guide on calibration and do not neglect to replace the battery as indicated.

5. Use Duracell batteries to maintain a constant measurement voltage and longer battery life. Re-chargeables are definitely not recommended. Similarly, do NOT use cheaper alternative batteries. We specify Duracell - please use these even if they are more expensive.

6. Unless you specifically need BMI (Body Mass Index) as displayed on the LCD screen, do not display it - it may confuse your client. It does become rather irrelevant compared to the more accurate measurement of % fat. Refer to Installation Options to de-select this option.

7. Remember, you have the facility to display the body composition results in either metric or imperial terms at any time. For example, you may wish to perform the test using stones and lbs for the benefit of the subject and then re-call the same subject test data in kg (or lbs), if you wish, to manually record the results in metric for your own personal record keeping. Refer to the Installation Options to give you this flexibility by holding down the LEFT (UP Arrow) key when switching the BODYSTAT® unit on.

8. A few BODYSTAT® units are returned from time to time for repair because of inaccurate and out of calibration readings. This has largely been due to damage caused to the copper wires in the leads connecting the crocodile/alligator clips. When removing the crocodile/alligator clips from the electrodes, please do not pull on the lead wires; instead gently open the jaws of the crocodile/alligator clip. Also try to avoid standing on the clips by accident and do not wrap the lead wires around the unit when storing.