6
INFORMATION ON BODY COMPOSITION
PRINCIPLES OF BODY COMPOSITION CALCULATIONS
How Omron calculates your body composition:
Omron’s algorithm focuses on the Bioelectrical Impedance Method as well as height, weight,
age and gender.
Bioelectrical Impedance Method:
The monitor estimates the body fat percentage by the
Bioelectrical Impedance Method. Muscles, blood, bones and body tissues with high water content
conduct electricity easily. On the other hand, body fat does not store much water, therefore has little
electric conductivity. The monitor sends an extremely weak electrical current of 50 kHz and less than
500 µA through your body to determine the amount of water in each tissue. You will not notice or feel
the electrical current.
BODY MASS INDEX
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. BMI is a reliable
indicator of body fatness for people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has shown that
BMI correlates with direct measures of body fat. BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible
weight problems for adults.
BMI is calculated by using the following formula based on a ratio between your weight and height:
BMI = weight (lb) / height (inches) / height (inches) × 703
Interpreting the BMI Result
Source: Values for obesity judgment proposed by WHO, the World Health Organization.
BMI
BMI (Designation by the WHO)
Less than 18.5
Underweight
18.5 or more and less than 25
Normal
25 or more and less than 30
Overweight
30 or more
Obese
HBF-206IT-Z_B_M.fm Page 6 Monday, February 22, 2010 4:24 PM