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Instruction Manual
Read this Instruction Manual carefully
and keep it for future reference.
TBF-551BODYFAT
MONITOR/ SCALE
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1
Safety precautions
• Persons with implanted medical equipment, such as a pacemaker, should not
use the TBF-551. This Body Fat Monitor/Scale passes a very low electrical
signal through the body during measurement, which may interfere with the
operation of a pacemaker.
• The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-551 is intended for home use only.
This unit is not intended for professional use in hospitals or other medical facilities.
It is not equipped with the installation standards required for professional use.
• Do not use this unit on slippery surfaces such as tile flooring or wet floors.
• Children or disabled people should be assisted by someone else, or use a handrail
when using the TBF-551.
Important notes for users
There are three modes on the TBF-551: 1) Standard Adult mode, 2) Child mode and 3)
Athlete adult mode. Adults (age 18 or older) who are inactive to moderately active
should use the Standard Adult mode. Very physically active and fit individuals should
use the Athlete adult mode. The Athlete mode was developed to provide a more accurate reading for athletic body types. Athletic body types are physiologically different
than standard adult body types, due to muscle mass and hydration level differences.
Tanita defines “athlete” as a person involved in intense physical activity of approximately 10 hours per week and who has a resting heart rate of approximately 60 beats
per minute or less. Tanita’s athlete definition includes “lifetime of fitness” individuals
who have been fit for years but currently exercise less than 10 hours per week.
T anita’s athlete definition does not include “enthusiastic beginners” who are making a
real commitment to exercising at least 10 hours per week but whose bodies have not
yet changed to require the Athlete mode.
Body fat percentage estimates may be slightly lower or higher for the following
categories of people:
• Adults seventy years old or older
• Persons undergoing dialysis
• Persons suffering from edema
Body fat percentage measurements for these persons should not be treated as absolute
values, but may be used as relative values for checking body fat percent variations
over a period of time.
The body fat monitor function of the TBF-551 is not intended for pregnant women, professional athletes or bodybuilders.
Recommendations for exercise programs or diets based on calculated data should be
determined by a doctor or licensed medical professional. Do not attempt to evaluate
the data by yourself.
Recorded data may be lost if the TBF-551 is used incorrectly or is exposed to electrical
power surges. Tanita takes no responsibility for any kind of loss caused by
the loss of recorded data.
Tanita takes no responsibility for any kind of damage or loss caused by these units, or
any kind of claim made by a third person.
Note: Body fat percentage estimates will vary with the amount of moisture in the body, and can be
affected by dehydration or overhydration due to such factors as alcohol consumption, menstruation, illness, intense exercise, etc.
Thank you for your selection of the T anita
Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-551. This device
uses the BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis)
technique, state-of-the-art technology for body
fat measurement.
Note: Read this Instruction Manual carefully and keep
it handy for future reference.
Operating Instructions
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Tanita TBF-551 Body Fat Monitor/Scale
2
The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-551 allows you to measure your body fat
percentage at home as easily as you measure your weight.
What is body fat percentage?
Body fat percentage is the percentage of fat in your body. Until now, your absolute
weight has determined whether or not you were considered overweight or obese. In
recent years, the definition of obesity has been refined to mean the presence of excess
body fat. Too much body fat has been linked to conditions such as high blood pressure,
heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other disabling conditions.
The BIA method
The TBF-551 uses the BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) technique. In this method,
a safe low-level electrical signal is passed through the body. It is difficult for the signal to
flow through fat in the human body, but easy to flow through moisture in the muscle
and other body tissues. The difficulty with which a signal flows through a substance is
called impedance. So the amount of fat in the body can be accurately estimated by measuring the impedance. The signal used is very low, making it safe and imperceptible.
The illustration on the left show how the signal travels through the body.
Body fat percentage fluctuations in a day
Hydration levels in the body may affect body fat readings. Readings are usually highest
in the early waking hours, since the body tends to be dehydrated after a long night’s
sleep. For the most accurate reading, a person should take a body fat percentage reading
at a consistent time of day under consistent conditions.
Besides this basic cycle of fluctuations in the daily body fat readings, variations may be
caused by hydration changes in the body due to eating, drinking, menstruation, illness,
exercising, and bathing. Daily body fat readings are unique to each person, and depend
upon one’s lifestyle, job and activities.
The graph on the left shows an example of daily body fat percentage fluctuations.
Advantages of the Tanita TBF-551
Previously, body fat percentage was determined by measuring the thickness of subcutaneous fat by pinching it with calipers, or by laying a person on a scanning bed and passing a current from hand to foot. However, these methods had problems; measurement
values varied, professional skills were required, and extensive time was required for measurement. Currently, the gold standard methods of fat percentage measurement are the
underwater weighing method and DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorbsiometry).
Based on data from DEXA, Tanita established a formula for estimating the body fat percentage. There is a high correlation between measurements taken with the TBF-551 and
those obtained through the underwater weighing and DEXA methods.
Principles of body fat percentage measurement
Tanita’s patented “foot-pad” design sends a safe,
low-level electrical signal through the body to deter-
mine its composition.
6 am
22
21
20
19
18
17
10 am 2 pm 6 pm 10 pm Time
Body Fat %
1, 2
Healthy Overfat ObeseUnderfat
Female
Age
Male
Age
Body Fat Ranges for Standard Adults
20–39
40–59
60–79
10%0% 20% 30% 40%
20–39
40–59
60–79
1
Based on NIH/WHO BMI Guidelines.
2
As reported by Gallagher, et al., at NY Obesity Research Center.
To determine the percentage of body fat that is appropriate for your body , consult your physician.
Healthy Overfat ObeseUnderfat
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Safety precautions
Important notes for users
Principles of body fat percentage measurement
What is body fat percentage?
Reasonable ranges of body fat percentage
Body fat percentage measurement
Body fat percentage fluctuations in a day
Advantages of the Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-551
Features and functions of TBF-551
Components
Measuring platform
Accessories
Useful features of the TBF-551
Switching the Weight Mode (lb, kg or st-lb)
Preparations before use
Inserting the batteries
Positioning the unit
Attaching the support feet
How to measure body fat percentage
Overview of measuring
Setting and storing data in memory
Taking measurements
Taking weight measurement only
Changing values in memory
Replacing the batteries
Troubleshooting
Warranty form
Table of contents
1
2
4
5
6
7
9
10
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or television technician for help.
Modifications
The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Tanita Corporation may void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
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Tanita TBF-551 Body Fat Monitor/Scale
4
Measuring platform
1. Display screen
2. Blue set button
3. Green Arrow (select) buttons
4. Ball-of-foot electrodes
5. Heel electrodes
6. Personal keys
Setting of adult, child, or athlete, male or female, and height for up to four persons
can be stored in the memory of the Personal keys.
7. Weight-only measurement key
Use for weight measurement only.
Accessories
8. Support feet (4 )
Only needed if unit is placed on carpet. Do not use these feet on hard flooring.
9. Batteries (6)
8
9
Measuring platform
Support feet
Batteries (6)
This Instruction Manual
Educational booklet: “What You Shoud Know About Body Fat”
“Let’s Get Started” workbook
Components
Features and functions of components:
1
2
6
3
4
5
7
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5
The TBF-551 allows you to measure both weight and body fat percentage simultaneously and easily, simply by stepping on a scale.
The TBF-551 can be set for Adults, Children, or Athlete, Male or Female, increasing
the accuracy of the measurements.
Personal data can be pre-set and stored in memory for up to four persons.
The unit features a weight-only mode.
Switching the Weight Mode
The TBF-551 can measure weight in three different modes: lb (pounds), kg (kilograms)
or st-lb (British stone-pounds). Select the preferred weight mode by using the switch on
the back of the measuring platform.
Note: If weight mode is set to pounds or stone-pounds, the height programming mode will
be automatically set to feet and inches. Similarly, if kilograms is selected, height will be
automatically set to centimeters.
Automatic shut-down function
The automatic shut-down function shuts off the power automatically in the
following cases:
• If you stop measurement or a key operation
The power will shut down automatically within 10 to 20 seconds, depending
upon the type of operation.
• If an extraordinary weight is applied to the platform
• If you make a mistake during measurement or a key operation
Note: If the power shuts off automatically, repeat the steps from the beginning.
(See p.8 for steps)
Useful features of the TBF-551
lb st/lb
kg
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Tanita TBF-551 Body Fat Monitor/Scale
6
Inserting the batteries
1. Open the battery cover on the back of the measuring platform.
2. Insert the supplied batteries as indicated.
Note: Be sure that the polarity of the batteries is set properly. If the batteries are incorrectly
positioned the fluid may leak and damage floors. If you do not intend to use this unit for a
long period of time, it is advisable to remove the batteries before storage.
Positioning the monitor
Place the measuring platform on a hard, flat surface where there is minimal vibration
to ensure safe and accurate measurement.
Note: To avoid possible injury, do not step on the edge of the platform.
Attaching the support feet (carpet use only)
Insert the support feet into the holes at the four corners on the bottom of the
measuring platform.
Note: Do not use the monitor on any carpeting that is more than 0.8" (20 mm) in thickness.
Do not use the support feet on hard, uncarpeted surfaces, as the unit may tip over.
Handling tips
This monitor is a precision instrument utilizing state-of-the-art technology. To keep
the unit in the best condition, follow these instructions carefully:
• Do not attempt to disassemble the measuring platform.
• Store the unit horizontally, and place it so that the Personal keys will not be
pressed accidentally.
• Avoid excessive impact or vibration to the unit.
• Place the unit in an area free from direct sunlight, heating equipment, high
humidity, or extreme temperature change.
• Never submerge in water. To clean, use a dampened cloth and mild detergent.
Use alcohol to clean the electrodes.
• When you change the batteries, exchange all six batteries at the same time
with new batteries.
If you need assistance, please call our toll-free customer service number at 1-800-TANITA-8.
Preparations before use:
Open as shown
(detachable)
Direction of the batteries
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How to measure body fat percentage
Overview of measuring
To get the most accurate absolute values, measurements should be taken while wearing no clothing and after urinating; preferably in the evening, after bathing (the body
must be dry). Always remove your socks or stockings, and be sure the soles of your feet
are clean before stepping on the measuring platform. Stand erect on the platform.
Note: Accurate measurement will not be possible if the soles of your feet are not clean, and if your
knees are bent or you are in a sitting position.
It is best to take measurements at the same time each day. If doing so in the evening
is not convenient, remember to wait about three hours after rising, eating, or hard
exercise before taking measurements. While readings taken under other conditions
may not have the same absolute values, they are accurate for determining the percentage of change as long as the readings are taken in a consistent manner. To monitor progress, compare weight and body fat percentage measurements taken under the
same conditions over a period of time.
Setting and storing data in memory
The TBF-551 can be operated only if data has been pre-programmed into one of the
four Personal keys.
1. Turn on the power
Use the Blue Set button to turn the unit on. The register numbers (1-2-3-4) will appear
and the display will flash.
2. Select the Personal number
Use the Green Arrow buttons to select a Personal key, then press the Blue Set button.
3. Select Adult, Child, or Athlete
Use the Green Arrow buttons to specify Adult, Child or Athlete, then press the Blue
Set button.
Adult = age 18 or older.
Child = up to the age of 18, over 3' 4" (102 cm).
Athlete =adult involved in intense physical activity of at least 10 hours per week and
who has a resting heart rate of approximately 60 beats per minute or less.
(See p.1 for Tanita’s definition of “athlete.”)
4. Select Male or Female
Use the Green Arrow buttons to select Male or Female, then press the Blue Set
button. ( ) Male ( ) Female
5. Specify the height
Use the Green Arrow buttons to specify Height. Then press the Blue Set button.
The display will flash all data (Child/Adult/Athlete, Male/Female and Height) for
three seconds to confirm the programming. The power will automatically turn off. To
set the next Personal key, repeat steps 1 through 5 after the power turns off.
Adult, Child, and Athlete mode
MaleFemale
The display will alternately flash all data for 3 seconds.
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Tanita TBF-551 Body Fat Monitor/Scale
Taking weight and body fat readings
1. Select Personal key
Using your toe, tap the Personal key for the person whose measurement is to be
taken. Release the key within 3 seconds.
Note: Do not hold the switch down or the display will show “error.”
The TBF-551 is activated, and the display shows the programmed data (see illustration,
left). After 2 or 3 seconds, the display will show “0.0.”
2. Take readings
When “0.0” appears in the display, step onto the platform.
Note: If you do not wait for “0.0” to appear, the display will read “error.”
Be sure you are barefoot, and that the soles of your feet are clean and dry.
Be sure that your toes and heels are correctly aligned with the electrodes on the measur-
ing platform. Stand erect on the platform.
Note: If you do not step onto the measuring platform within about 20 seconds after “0.0” appears, the
power is shut off automatically.
Your weight will be shown first. “00000” will appear in the display and then the
zeroes will disappear one by one until your body fat percentage is displayed.
Continue to stand erect on the platform. The values of body fat percentage and body
weight will be displayed alternately at 2-second intervals. If you remain on the platform,
the display will continue for about 30 seconds, and then the power will automatically
turn off.
When you step off the platform the alternating display of body fat percentage and
body weight will be repeated 3 times, and then the power will automatically turn off.
Taking weight measurment only
1. Select Weight-only key
Using your toe, tap the Weight-only key. After 2 or 3 seconds, “88888” will appear in
the display and then it will show “0.0.”
2. Take measurement
When “0.0” appears in the display, step onto the platform.
The body weight value will appear. If you remain on the platform, the display will
flash for about 30 seconds, and then the power will automatically turn off. If you step
off the platform, the weight will continue to show for about 5 seconds.
Changing values in memory
Perform steps 1 through 5 in “Setting and storing data in memory” on p.7.
Tap the Weight key using your toe
Select Personal key using your toe
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Replacing the batteries
When the batteries run low, the “Lo” message will appear on the display window.
When this message appears, be sure to replace the batteries immediately, since weak
batteries will affect the accuracy of your measurements.
Your settings will not be erased from the memory when you remove the batteries.
Fresh batteries can last for about one year if a family of four uses the unit once every
day. The unit comes with trial batteries. Their service life may be short.
If the following problems occur...then...
“st-lb” or “kg” appears while taking a weight measurement.
The unit’s “Weight Mode” has been set to measure your weight in units of stonepounds or kilograms. Refer to the Switching the Weight Mode (lb, kg, or st-lb) on
p.5 if you would like to change the setting back to pounds (lb).
Nothing appears in the display screen after initial display.
Be sure that the batteries are fresh and are in the correct positions. Also check
foot alignment.
Nothing appears when a Personal key is pressed, or the display shows “- - - - -”
and goes off when a Personal key is pressed.
No data (Adult, Child, Athlete, Male/Female, height) has been stored in memory
for that key. Enter data.
The body fat percentage measurement does not appear after the weight
is measured.
Vibration will interfere with measurement of the fat percentage. Be sure to stand erect
and still on the measuring platform. Do not bend your knees. Be sure that shoes and
socks are removed and check foot alignment. Step off and repeat steps on p.8.
The body fat percentage measurement is extremely low/extremely high.
Be sure you are measuring in the correct user mode (Adult, Child, Athlete,
Male/Female), and that the soles of your feet are clean and properly aligned with the
guides on the measuring platform. Dehydration, exercise, foot calluses, etc. will interfere with measurement of the fat percentage. Step off and repeat steps on p.8.
The display reads “error” instead of a weight reading.
Wait for “0.0” to appear in the display before stepping onto the platform.
Troubleshooting
st-lb
kg
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Tanita TBF-551 Body Fat Monitor/Scale
TANITA PRODUCTS LIMITED WARRANTY
Not Valid Without Proof of Purchase
Your Tanita product is warranted to the original consumer only, for three (3) years, to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship under normal use. This product is designed for personal use only.Tanita Corporation of America reserves
the right to nullify the warranty agreement should the product be used in a commercial environment. This warranty is void if
the product has been tampered with or mistreated, or if the defect is related to servicing or parts not supplied by us. Our
obligation under this warranty is limited solely to the charge of repairing the product, plus the cost of parts or, at the option of
Tanita, replacing the product with an equivalent model. There are no express or implied warranties except as listed above.
Tanita is not liable for incidental or consequential damages for failure or malfunction of the product and
any recovery may not be greater than the purchase price paid for this product. Some states do not allow limita-
tion on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state. No person is authorized to change the terms of this warranty.
IF PRODUCT IS DEFECTIVE OR NEEDS REPAIR
Do not return this product to the place of purchase; doing so may delay the processing of your warranty claim.
Call Tanita at: 1-800-TANITA-8 to receive a Return Authorization Number before returning this product. Include $12.50 for
handling, return postage and insurance to the facility listed below. Proof of purchase must accompany the product.
Because of possible loss, we recommend insuring your product, return receipt requested, when using the mail. If you do not
receive a receipt within a reasonable time, start a tracer through the originating post office. It is important that you pack the
product carefully prior to shipment to prevent damage in transit and that you include a letter describing in detail the specific
condition requiring adjustment or repair.
TANITA PRODUCTS LIMITED AFTER WARRANTY
All terms and conditions apply as specified above in the original T anita Limited Warranty except for the cost of labor and parts:
• Minimum charge for After Warranty labor is $30 per hour, plus the cost of parts.
• You will be notified by mail or telephone of the total cost to repair your product to working condition, so prepayment can
be arranged.
• Your approval is required before any repair work can be performed on your product.
Please complete the following information and retain for your records.
MODEL: DATE PURCHASED: / /
PURCHASED FROM:
ADDRESS:
Please send all returns to:
Tanita Corporation
2625 S. Clearbrook Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA
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©2000 Tanita Corporation 7/00 HDI
Tanita Europe GmbH
Dresdener Strasse 25
D-71065 Sindelfingen, Germany
Tel: 07031-6189-6
Fax: 07031-6189-71
Tanita UK Ltd.
The Barn, Philpots Close, Yiewsley,
West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 7RY, UK
Tel: 01895-438577
Fax: 01895-438511
Tanita France S.A.
Villa Labrouste
68 Boulevard Bourdon
92200 Neuilly-Sur Seine
Tel: 01 55 24 99 99 Fax: 01 55 24 98 68
Tanita Health Equipment H.K. Ltd.
Unit 301-303 3/F Wing On Plaza
62 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2838-7111 Fax: 852-2838-8667
Tanita Corporation of Japan
14-2, 1-Chome, Maeno-Cho
Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 174-8630
Tel: 03-3968-2123
Fax: 03-3967-3766
ISO 9001 Certified
Tanita Corporation of America Inc.
2625 South Clearbrook Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA
Tel: 847-640-9241 Fax: 847-640-9261
Toll Free: 1-800-TANITA-8
e-mail: 4health@tanita.com
www.tanita.com
Specifications
TBF-551
Weight Capacity
300 lb (136 kg) (21 st-6 lb)
Weight Increments
0.2 lb (0.1 kg) (0.2 lb)
Body Fat Increments
0.1%
Power Supply
DC 6V AA-size (UM3-type) battery (x6)—
included
Power Consumption
60 mA maximum
Measuring Current
50 kHz 500 µA
UPC No
TBF-551-G (Gray) 742496-164209
After sales service
Please contact the store where you bought
this monitor for any inquiry regarding
operation or trouble, request for repair
and/or placement of an order for parts or
products. Or call 1-800-TANITA-8 (USA and
Canada only).
Caractéristiques
TBF-551
Charges admises
300 lb (136 kg) (21 st-6 lb)
Gradation
0,2 lb (0,1 kg) (0,2 lb)
Précision du pourcentage de graisse
0,1 %
Alimentation
6 piles AA CC 6V (de type UM3),
incluses
Consommation d’énergie
60 mA au maximum
Courant émis
50 kHz 500 µA
UPC No
TBF-551-G (Gris) 742496-164209
Service après-vente
Veuillez communiquer avec le magasin où
vous avez acheté votre balance si vous
souhaitez obtenir des renseignements sur son
fonctionnement ou sur la façon de résoudre
certains ennuis, ou encore pour obtenir des
réparations ou commander des pièces ou des
produits. Ou composez le 1-800-TANITA-8
(États-Unis et Canada seulement).
Detalles Técnicos
TBF-551
Capacidad de Peso
300 lb (136 kg) (21 st-6 lb)
Incrementos de Peso
0.2 lb (0.1 kg) (0.2 lb)
Incrementos de Grasa Corporal
0.1%
Suministro de Energía
6 V de CD; 6 baterías de tamaño AA
(tipo UM3) – que se incluyen
Consumo de Energía
60 mA máximo
Corriente Medidora
50 kHz 500 µA
UPC No
TBF-551-G (Gris) 742496-164209
Servicios de posventa
Póngase en contacto con el almacén en el cual
usted compróeste monitor, en relación con
cualquier pregunta sobre la operación o problema, solicitud de reparación y/o para hacer
un pedido de piezas o productos. O llame al
teléfono 1-800-826-4828 (sólo si usted llama
desde EE. UU. o Canadá).
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