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.
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.
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 analyzers can provide
very different body fat estimates. Even with the same scale, the numbers will
• 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 16 or persons with
an elevated body temperature, diabetes or other health conditions.
• Percent body fat refers to the number of pounds of fat divided by your total body
weight and multiplied by 100.
• During weight loss, percent of 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
• To minimize 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?
When you lose weight, both the numerator (pounds of body fat) and denominator
(total body weight) go down, so when it’s calculated as a body fat percentage, the
number can be small. For example, a person may weigh 200 pounds and have 40%
body fat (= 80 pounds of body fat). He/She loses 20 pounds, but the body fat has
only dropped 4% to 36%. That 4% of body fat was over 15 pounds of fat – a very
significant amount! So do not be overly concerned if you do not see the percentage
change quickly as you are losing weight: Monitor the absolute number of body fat
pounds lost. Remember, to minimize the loss of lean tissue, include regular physical
activity, especially strength training, in your weight-loss plan.
To summarize, 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, time before or after exercise, etc., when measuring
While a scale/body fat monitor can be a useful tool on your weight-loss
journey, it’s not in and of itself a program for losing weight.
Come to a meeting and learn from us the best way to lose and maintain
weight. Call 1-800-651-6000 or go to WW.com to find a meeting near you.
Important Information Concerning
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
• 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 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.
A surefire way to get overly concerned with your weight is to weigh yourself too
often. We generally recommend weighing yourself no more than once a week when
you’re dieting. Though it’s 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
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
• Use the “5-pound rule” – research shows that people who keep weight within
a 5-pound range are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight over the
Your WW scale is a precise measuring instrument that is most accurate when
weighing a stationary object. To ensure accurate readings, always try to stand on
the same area of the scale platform and . Should the weight on the DO NOT MOVE
scale exceed the scale’s capacity, you may see the 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.
When the scale batteries need to be replaced (display show ), remove the “LO”
screw from the battery cover on the bottom of the scale and remove the cover.
Replace the old batteries with 3 new AAA batteries. Replace the battery cover
and tighten the screw again. Remove used batteries promptly. Dispose of the
old batteries properly. Remove batteries from equipment that is not to be
used for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to open the scale
or to remove any components. Servicing should be done by qualified
technicians only. See warranty information in this brochure.
too lower normal higher too
20-29 <13% 13.1-18% 18.1-23% 23.1-28% 28.1%+ Male
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+
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+
Male 20-29 <7.2% 7.3-7.5% 7.6-8.4% 8.5-8.7% 8.8%+
30-39 <7.0 7.1-7.3 7.4-8.2 8.3-8.5 8.6+
40-49 <6.6 6.7-6.9 7-7.8 7.9-8.1 8.2+
50-59 <6.2 6.3-6.5 6.6-7.4 7.5-7.7 7.8+
60-69 <5.9 6.0-6.2 6.3-7.1 7.2-7.4 7.5+
Female 20-29 <5.8% 5.9-6.1% 6.2-7% 7.1-7.3% 7.4%+
30-39 <5.6 5.7-5.9 6-6.8 6.9-7.1 7.2+
40-49 <5.2 5.3-5.5 5.6-6.4 6.5-6.7 6.8+
50-59 <4.8 4.9-5.1 5.2-6 6.1-6.3 6.4+
60-69 <4.5 4.6-4.8 4.9-5.7 5.8-6.0 6.1+
• Once a week, on the same
• At the same time of day
• Wearing the same clothes
CAUTION! Use of this device by persons with any electrical implant, such
as a heart pacemaker, or by pregnant women, is not recommended.
1. Press the button on the base of the scale to measure in pounds (lb) or
2. Set scale on floor. Surface must be level for accurate operation and safety.
1. Remove all packing 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, or if the scale display does not
work after you have pulled the isolator tab, remove the
screw from the battery cover and remove the cover.
Gently pull out the isolator tab or any pieces of it that
may be blocking the battery contacts. Ensure the
batteries are installed correctly. Replace the battery cover
and tighten the screw again.)
3. For best accuracy, place scale on tile or hardwood floor,
rather than uneven, flexible or soft flooring (such as carpet).
4. Tap the scale in standby mode. The whole screen will appear.
5. Wait about 2 seconds until “0.0” appears. for lb. mode
6. Step on the scale and stand still to measure your weight.
The scale display will flash for a few seconds and then display weight.
7. Step off the scale and it will shut off automatically.
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 organizations,
including the US government and the World Health Organization, 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
Body water/hydration levels
General health standards indicate that one should consume approximately
64 oz. 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
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 a guide only. Watch for trends over
time and contact your health-care provider for a more detailed explanation of the
readings and with any questions or concerns.
