My Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor became faulty on 2011-02-18 -- Saw 'Error' message I stepped on the monitor

On 2009-09-23 (Wednesday, afternoon) I bought a Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor at S$200.00 from TANGS ORCHARD as another useful tool to monitor and improve the health of my family and myself and even relative and friends.

On 2011-02-18, I saw ‘error’ after seeing my height on the monitor while trying to use BC-532.

On 2011-02-21, Monday, at about 5.10 pm I changed the four AA batteries. But the same problem occurred.

So from 2011-02-21 I started to re- use my old simple and cheap electronic glass bathroom scale model Th510 (which I bought on 2007-10-12 at S$29.90 from Watson Century square), until I solve the problem with Tanita BC-532!

I found the following Q&A relevant to my problem at this site:

http://www.tanita.com/en/faq/#Q:_What_conditions_might_cause_skewed_results_or_an__Error__reading_in_the_display_

Q: What conditions might cause skewed results or an "Error" reading in the display?
A: Hydration fluctuations which may result from alcohol or food consumption, sleep, intense exercise, medication or pre-menstruation.
--- A very full bladder.
--- Severe calluses on heels or soles of feet (about 1/400 people tested).
--- Unclean foot pads may interfere with conductivity.
--- Nylons interfere with conductivity. If it is absolutely necessary to measure in nylons, use a drop of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol on the foot pads to act as a conductor.

Q: How will I know if my Tanita Monitor needs recalibrating?
A: An "Error" or "Sub" code might appear on the readout; the digital display might not "zero out" after your last measurement; or the results might be erratic and non-repeatable. Call customer service at 1-847-640-9241

My 2010-12-05 Metabolic Age measurement results by Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor

At 1125 am on 2010-12-05 (Sunday) my Metabolic Age according to Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor was 25.

My actual age is 60.

If the measurement results is reliable and a good indicator of the actual age of my body, it must be due to My mainly plant-based diet with High Fibre, Low Protein, Low Fat, Low Salt and Low Sugar intake.

My 2010-12-05 Measurement results by Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor

At 1125 am on 2010-12-05 (Sunday) I checked my body with Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor.

The following were the results:

(1) Weight 56.0 kg (Note: BMI = 20.322, within healthy range)

(2) Body Fat Range 14.2% (Note: Healthy range: 11% t0 22% for my age based on http://www.tanitaaustralia.com.au/Home/faq/faq_4.cms )

(3) % Body Water 62.8% (Note: Healthy range for Male is 50 - 65% based on http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=29)

(4) Muscle Mass 45.5 kg

(5) Physique Rating 5 ( It means average muscle and average body fat % based on http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=34)

(6) BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate ) 1283 kcal

(7) Metabolic Age 25 years ( Note: My biological age is almost 60) (Note: See http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=32)

(8) Bone Mass 2.5 kg (Considered low bone mass)

Based on the Health assessment guidelines (by of University of Southern Queensland, Australia) at http://www.usq.edu.au/hr/healthsafe/usqsafe/corphealth/corpassess :

The Guidelines for Bone mass

Female:
On average if weight is less then 50kg this will be approx 1.95kg
On average if weight is 50kg - 75kg this will be approx 2.4kg
On average if weight is above 75kg then bone mass will be approx 2.95kg

Male:
On average if weight is less then 65kg this will be approx 2.65kg
On average if weight is 65kg - 95kg this will be approx 3.29kg
On average if weight is above 95kg then bone mass will be approx 3.69kg

Not everyone who has low bone mass will develop osteoporosis, everyone with a low bone mass is at a higher risk for the diseases and the resulting fractures. You can take steps to slow down your bone loss and prevent osteoporosis in your future. Your doctor will want you to develop, or keep, healthy habits such as eating foods high in calcium and Vitamin D, doing weight bearing exercise like walking, jogging or dancing. Please talk to an instructor for further recommendations.

(9) Visceral Fat 8% (Note: 1 - 12 Low Risk 13 - 59 Higher Risk based on http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=28)

If you have any comments and advice, please let me know.

Tanita Body Composition Monitors for Home Use

Tanita was the first company to design and manufacture body fat monitoring scales for in-home use. The technology you get when you buy a home scale is based on the same advanced technology found in our professional body composition analyzers used by doctors, medical centers, professional athletic teams, fitness clubs and personal trainers. We continue to focus on meeting your needs with more styles, models and more personalized features.

Cleared by the FDA - all Tanita monitors have undergone a stringent review by the FDA to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality, and most accurate, products on the market. Your confidence is our priority.


InnerScan Monitors:

Weight
Body Fat %
Muscle Mass
DCI
Visceral Fat
Body Water %
Physique Rating
Metabolic Age
Bone Mass

Tanita revolutionary new InnerScan line provides information never before available from a consumer scale. Anyone who is serious about improving his or her total health and fitness will love InnerScan.

InnerScan body composition monitors provide information never before available from a consumer scale- essential information for staying healthy and living a more active, vital life.

InnerScan gives you greater control over monitoring and improving your health and fitness. It's exciting new technology from Tanita, the company that brought you the first body fat scales for in-home use. These products are also available in a co-branded Ironman and Iron Girl series.

InnerScan is for anyone who is serious about monitoring their health and fitness. It provides professional-quality body composition analysis in the comfort and privacy of your home.

Warning: Do not use the body fat reading feature of these products if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker or other internal electronic medical device.

* Tanita's InnerScan Monitors do not directly measure bone density. Please consult a physician if you are concerned about osteoporosis.


The above info is from http://www.tanita.com/en/body-composition-monitors-for-home-use/

My Metabolic Age (27 years) and Chronological (Real) Age (almost 60 years) as on 2010-02-09 according toTanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor

My chronological age is almost 60 years. But my Metabolic Age measured by Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor on 2010-02-09 is 27 years only.

My Metabolic Age = 27 years

My Chronological (Real) Age = almost 60) years

Am I really very young physically?

I would be grateful if you could give me any comments.

(Note: See http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=32)

What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)? And its importance (by Tanita.co.uk)

What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?

The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories the body needs when at rest.

The speed of your metabolism is determined by many factors such as gender, age, muscle mass compared to body fat and the amount of physical activity undertaken on a regular basis.

In general, Male's rates are higher than females because of the testosterone hormone and their higher muscle level.

Male's rates are fairly consistent and tend to stabilise about age 50 when testosterone start levels drop slightly.

Women's rates increase during pregnancy and even higher when breast feeding, but drop when they go through menopause.

Why is monitoring the Basal Metabolic Rate important?

Understanding the Basal Metabolic Rate will allow a user to monitor the number of calories their body requires according to their physique and lifestyle.

The more muscle or general activity a person takes the more calories required - a diet and fitness program can be based on this information.

The Basal Metabolic Rate level also decreases as the body ages.

However the Basal Metabolic Rate will increase through a regular routine of cardiovascular exercise and increased activity.

Info Source: http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=32

What is Metabolic Age? The imporatnce of Metabolic Age Rating (by Tanita.co.uk)

What is Metabolic Age?

Metabolic Age Rating indicates what age level the user's BMR is currently rated at.

Basal Metabolic Rate decreases, as one grows older. Children have a higher BMR than adults due to the required energy to fabricate human tissue. BMR in children tends to peak at age 16/17.

Why is the Metabolic Age Rating important?

The monitor will calculate your BMR and an age will be given relating to statistical information collated during our extensive research.

If the age indicated is higher than the user's actual age then the user needs to improve their Basal Metabolic Rate. Increasing exercise levels will build healthier muscle tissue which will burn more calories consequently improving the user's metabolic age rating.

Results range guide

12 - 50 years
Displayed at increments of 1 year

Example:

A 30 year old woman with a 35 year old Basal Metabolic Age rating would need to address her fitness and health programme in order to lower her BMR rating.

Info Source: http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=32

What is Visceral Fat? And Healthy Visceral Fat Levels Chart (by Tanita.co.uk)

What is Visceral Fat?

Visceral Fat (Abdominal Fat) is the fat that surrounds the vital organs on the trunk / stomach area of the body.

For a quick easy explanation - try tensing your tummy muscles, then pinch the fat by your belly button.

What you can pinch is subcutaneous fat (under the skin) it is not visceral fat.

Visceral fat is the fat you can't pinch - it is on the inside of your muscle wall. Typically this type of fat is most often found in high levels in middle aged men (often mistakenly referred to as a beer belly).

Men have a genetic predisposition to accumulating fat in this way, whereas women are more likely to store fat subcutaneously. (Subcutaneous fat has been shown to be associated with the nutrition required by a developing foetus, and for breast feeding).

High Visceral Fat levels increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Lowering Visceral Fat levels can stabilise insulin action substantially, and reduce the risk of diabetes and other related illnesses.

Healthy Visceral Fat Levels Chart

Your Tanita Body Composition Monitor will assess your visceral fat level into the following categories :

1 - 12 Low Risk

13 - 59 Higher Risk

Info Source: http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=28

My 2010-02-09 Measurement results by Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor

At 1024 am on 2010-02-09 (Tuesday) I checked my body with Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor. The following were the results:

(1) Weight 55.7 kg (Note: BMI = 20.213)

(2) Body Fat Range 15.2%
(Note: Healthy range: 11% t0 22% for my age based on http://www.tanitaaustralia.com.au/Home/faq/faq_4.cms )


(3) % Body Water 62.1% (Note: Healthy range for Male is 50 - 65% based on http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=29)

(4) Muscle Mass 44.8 kg

(5) Physique Rating 4 ( It means low muscle and average body fat % based on http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=34)


(6) BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate ) 1263 kcal

(7) Metabolic Age 27 years ( Note: My biological age is almost 60)
(Note: See http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=32)

(8) Bone Mass 2.5 kg

(9) Visceral Fat 8% (Note: 1 - 12 Low Risk 13 - 59 Higher Risk based on http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=28)

Why my metabolic ages measured by Tanita Body Composition Monitors models BC-541 and BC-532 were quite different?

This post was updated on 2009-11-04.

(1) On 2008-09-06 (Saturday) I visited World Food Fair 2008, a Tanita Body Composition Monitor which looked similar to BC-541 showed my metabolic age (the health supplements salesperson called it biological age then) as 33.

(2) On 2009-07-11 (Saturday), a Tanita Body Composition Monitor which looked similar to BC-541at "Health & U" Mega Health Exhibition showed my metabolic age (the health supplements salesperson called it biological age then) as 35.

(3) On 2009-09-02 the BC-541 of a health consultant showed my metabolic age as 34 years.

(4) On 2009-09-18 the sales demo BC-532 showed my metabolic age as 27 years.

(5) On 2009-09-25 my own BC-532 showed my metabolic ages in five different measurements within an hour as 27, 26, 26, 25 and 27 years.

(6) On 2009-09-26 at 1750 hour at a retail shop (Tang): (a) BC-532 showed my metabolic age as 23 and BMR = 1307 kcal, (b) BC-541 showed my metabolic age as 34 and BMR = 1308 Kcal.

Can anybody tell me why my metabolic ages measured by Tanita Body Composition Monitors models BC-541 and BC-532 were quite different?

I should measure my metabolic age again with Tanita model BC-541.

Purchase of a Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor on 2009-09-23

On 2009-09-23 (Wednesday, afternoon) I bought a Tanita BC-532 Body Composition Monitor as another useful tool to monitor and improve the health of my family and myself and even relative and friends.