Conair Weight Watchers WW71C Instructions For Use Manual

Weight and Body Fat

How does it work?

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
t h r ough bone and fat. The scale measures the speed of the current. Based on this
n u m b e r, the scale estimates body fat using a multi-step, mathematical formula.

Is it accurate?

M e a s u r ements of body fat tend to fluctuate a lot more than simple weighing,
and diff e r ent methods of estimating body fat yield very diff e rent results. Just as
d i f f e r ent scales give diff e r ent results, diff e r ent body fat analyzers can provide very
d i f f e r ent body fat estimates. Even with the same scale the numbers will vary because:

• 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 diff e rent result than if skin is cold and dry.

• As with weight, when your goal is to change body composition it is better to track
t r ends over time than to use individual daily re s u l t s .

• Results may not be accurate for persons under the age of 16, or persons with
an elevated body temperature, diabetes or other health conditions.

What you need to know!

• P e r cent body fat refers to the number of pounds of fat divided by your total body
weight and multiplied by 100.

• During weight loss, percent 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 is norm a l .

• To minimize the loss of lean tissue, include regular physical activity, especially
s t r ength training, in your weight-loss plan.

Why do I lose weight but my body fat percentage doesn’t change much?

Most body fat monitors show body fat as a percentage only. This body fat
monitor shows you not only a percentage but the actual number of body fat
pounds (in fact, this is the measurement you see after your weight is displayed).
Why is that important? 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 16 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.

About BMI

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 fat 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 your health and fitness.

General guidelines for BMI are as follows:

BMI less than 19: underweight
BMI 19–25: healthy weight
BMI 25–30: overweight
BMI over 30: obese

About BMI Levels

In order to make your body fat and body water readings more accurate, your
monitor automatically calculates a BMI level for you, based on the personal data
you have entered, as well as measurements the scale takes. Why is that important?
People with different BMIs have differences in muscle mass and body water levels.
Do not be alarmed if you do not see rapid changes to your category level:
generally, your level will change as you lose weight and become more fit.
These changes happen gradually, though, and you may not see them reflected
for a few months of consistently following a diet and exercise regimen.

BMI/Fitness Levels

1 2 3 4 5

Less Fit More Fit

L3 is the “normal” mode and is often selected at the start of a training/weight loss
program. Most people fall into this category. Its activities are characterized by:

• low level aerobics

• limited physical activity: less than 2 times/week

• less than 20 minutes per activity

L4 is used by people who have improved overall wellness and fitness:

• moderate daily exercise: 20 minute workouts, 5 times/week

• activities: cycling, jogging, brisk walking, raking leaves, tennis, aerobics

L5 is used by highly active individuals whose workouts are based both on
endurance and strength over an extended period of time:

• daily workouts to include the activities below

• 5-10 minute warm up; several 20-30 minute workouts per week dedicated to
muscular strength (often weight lifting), muscular endurance (pushups, sit-ups,
weight training for all major muscle groups), cardio respiratory endurance (jog­ging, swimming, rope-jumping, rowing, racquetball); 10-12 minutes of stretch­ing; 5-10 minute cooldown

Make the most of it!

To summarize, make the most of the body fat 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, before or after exercise, etc., when measuring body

fat composition.

Always keep in mind that you know your body best. The following ranges
of Body Fat Percentages are offered as guides:

Healthy Range

of Body Fat

Percentage

Age Females Males

18–39 21–32% 8–19%
40–59 23–33% 11–21%
60–79 24–35% 13–24%

Body Water/Hydration Levels:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2001), the percentage of body
water should lie within the following ranges:

Women: 50–55%
Men: 60–65%
Children: 65–75%

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. Studies show
that people lose three times more weight on Weight Watchers than they
do on their own.*

*Heshka S, et al. Two-Year Randomized Controlled Study of Self-Help Weight Loss vs. A Structured Commercial Program.
The FASEB Journal 2001; 15(4):A623

Important Information Concerning

Weight Management

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
can affect weight.

• 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.

Don’t Overdo It!

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
you’re consistent.

Here are 5 rules for effectively monitoring your weight – weigh yourself:

• Once a week, on the same day of
the week

• At the same time of day

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.

• In the same place

• Wearing the same clothes

• Using the same scale

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 long term.

Facts You Should Know

Your Weight Watchers 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 DO NOT MOVE.
Should the weight on the scale exceed the scale’s capacity, you may see an 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.

In the event that the scale battery needs to be replaced, lift the snap-on battery
cover on the bottom of the scale and replace the old battery with 2-3V lithium
battery. Dispose of the old battery properly. Do not attempt to open the

scale or to remove any components. Servicing should be done by qualified
technicians only. See warranty information below.