Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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How is body fat measured using bio-electrical impedance?

A light electric current is sent from the foot to the hand. Resistance is measured  in units of Ohms. This value is included in a scientific equation which then calculates body fat which is corrected by weight, height, gender and age of the person. The scientific formula is based on in depth population studies and cross-checked with other highly accurate measurements (MRI) of the same people to give a predicted outcome.

Is a BMI of 33 good?

No, a BMI of 33 indicates pre-obesity and has serious health implications which can include blood pressure, body fat excess and diabetes. The normal level is about 25. You should also look at getting a body fat test as this will confirm the excess weight you are carrying.

How do I know if my impedance device is accurate?

Unless the manufacturer gives you a test kit, then you´ll never know. The BIAcheck includes a Ohm Resistance checker to visualise if your machine is measuring accurately. It is an independent measurement.The error is less than 1%. Knowing this, you can feel at ease that the source value of your measurement will give you reliable data results.

How does bio-electrical impedance distinguish between fat and thin people?

Basically the measurement depends on the conductivity of water in your body. So, is you have a lot of fat in your body, (this is an insulator and increases resistance) your impedance in ohms will be quite high while a person with more muscle más will have a lower value as muscle carries more liquid and conducts the electric flow.

What is the difference between hand held devices and scales?

It´s important to measure the full length of the body to get an accurate body fat measurement. If you use scales, the measurement is foot to foot, so if you have a lot of fat around your waist and hips the scale will overestimate the measurement, whereas a hand held device measures only hand to hand and may underestimate as it is not measuring the lower half of your body. BIAcheck measures the whole length of the body from foot to hand giving you a reliable measurement.

What´s the difference between the BMI and body fat testing?

Although the BMI method is scientifically supported, it can give misleading information in cases of people who are very muscular. A body fat test, correctly done will not have this error.

What´s body composition?

Body composition is the same as body fat testing. Body composition shows the distribution of your total weight in: body fat, fat free mass (includes muscle) and water. So knowing these 3 components helps you see what you are losing or gaining.

How long would it take to lose 5% body fat?

Let´s say you weigh 80kg. If we convert 5% into kg it would be 4kg. So for every 1kg, there are stored 7.000 calories. Multiply this by 4 and that would be 28.000 calories. You would have to follow a calorie deficit diet of several weeks to burn these calories. Potentially, having a daily deficit of 700 calories, it would take 40 days, about 6 weeks.

Why haven´t I lost much weight going to the gym? 

Probably because you have increased your muscle. Take into account that the density of muscle is greater than that of fat which explains why your body weight has not fallen. A body composition test may make you happier as you may find you have lost fat too.

How do I lose body fat?

What ever method you try, monitor it. That´s to say, have a body composition test just before you begin, half way through at least and at the end. This way you can see the changes taking place and modify your diet if you think your fat is not going down. It will keep you motivated.