Tanita Scale TBF 531 User Manual

TBF-531BODYFAT  
MONITOR/SCALE  
Instruction Manual  
 
Tanita TBF-531 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Principles of body fat percentage measurement  
The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-531 allows you to estimate 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.  
1, 2  
Body Fat Ranges for Standard Adults  
Underfat  
Healthy  
Overfat  
Obese  
Female 20–39  
Age 40–59  
60–79  
0%  
10%  
20%  
30%  
40%  
Male 20–39  
Age 40–59  
60–79  
Underfat  
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  
Obese  
The BIA method  
The TBF-531 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 meas-  
uring 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.  
Tanitas patented foot-paddesign sends a safe,  
low-level electrical signal through the body to deter-  
mine its composition.  
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 nights  
sleep. For the most accurate reading, a person should take a body fat percentage reading  
at a consistent time of day under consistent conditions.  
Body Fat %  
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 ones lifestyle, job and activities.  
22  
21  
20  
The graph on the left shows an example of daily body fat percentage fluctuations.  
19  
18  
17  
Advantages of the Tanita TBF-531  
Previously, body fat percentage was determined by measuring the thickness of subcuta-  
neous fat by pinching it with calipers, or by laying a person on a scanning bed and pass-  
ing 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 standard methods of fat percentage measurement are  
DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) and Hydrodensitometry (underwater weigh-  
ing).  
6am  
10am  
2pm  
6pm  
10pm Time  
Daily fluctuations in body fat percentage based  
on the BIA method  
Based on data from both the DEXA and underwater weighing methods, Tanita established  
a formula for estimating the percentage of body fat. There is a high correlation between  
measurements taken with the TBF-531 and those obtained through DEXA and underwa-  
ter weighing.  
2
 
Table of contents  
1
Safety precautions  
Important notes for users  
2
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-531  
4
6
7
Features and functions of the TBF-531  
Components  
Measuring platform  
Accessories  
Useful features of the TBF-531  
Preparations before use  
Inserting the batteries  
Positioning the unit  
Attaching the support feet  
Handling tips  
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  
10  
11  
Troubleshooting  
Specifications  
Warranty  
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 users  
authority to operate the equipment.  
3
 
Tanita TBF-531 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Features and functions of the TBF-531  
Components  
Measuring platform  
(1)  
Support feet  
(4)  
(4)  
(1)  
(1)  
(1)  
AA-size batteries  
Instruction manual  
Warranty  
Educational booklet  
Getting started workbook (1)  
Measuring platform  
1. Display screen  
2. Set button  
3. Selection buttons (Up/Down)  
4. Toe electrodes  
5. Heel electrodes  
6. Guide marks sticker  
For positioning heels when standing on the unit.  
7. PERSONAL keys (start switch)  
Setting of age (Adult/Child), gender, and height for up to four persons can  
be stored in the memory of the PERSONAL keys.  
8. Weight measurement key  
Use for weight measurement only.  
1
2
3
4
6
7
5
8
4
 
Accessories  
9. Support feet (4 )  
9
For use on carpeting 0.8 inches thick or less; a hard, uncarpeted surface  
is recommended.  
10. AA-size batteries (4)  
These are trial batteries. Their service life will be short. New batteries will  
last for about a year when this unit is used by a family of four once every day.  
10  
Useful features of the TBF-531  
The TBF-531 allows you to measure both weight and body fat percentage simultaneously  
as easily and simply as stepping on a scale.  
The TBF-531 can be set for Adult/Child, gender and height, increasing the accuracy of  
the measurements.  
Personal data (Adult/Child, gender, height) can be pre-set in memory for up to four  
persons.  
The unit also features a weight only mode.  
Switching the weight mode  
The TBF-531 can record measurements in 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 (see illustration at left).  
lb  
st-lb  
kg  
lb, kg, or st-lb version  
Automatic shut-down function  
The automatic shut-down function shuts off the power automatically in the  
following cases:  
If you interrupt the measurement process.  
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.  
After you have completed the measurement process.  
NOTE: If the power shuts off automatically due to a problem, repeat the steps from the  
beginning (see pp. 7-8 for steps).  
5
 
Tanita TBF-531 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Preparations before use:  
Inserting the batteries  
1. Open the battery cover on the back of the measuring platform.  
Open as shown  
Direction of the batteries  
2. Insert the supplied AA-size 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 inches in thickness.  
Do not use the support feet on hard, flat 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 four batteries at the same time with  
new AA-size batteries.  
If you need assistance, please call our toll-free customer service number at 1-800-TANITA-8.  
6
 
How to measure body fat percentage  
Overview of measuring  
To get the most accurate absolute values, measurements should be taken while wearing  
no clothing, preferably in the evening, and after urinating. If you do not undress, 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. If used after bathing,  
the body must be completely dry.  
NOTE: Accurate measurement will not be possible if the soles of your feet are not clean,  
or if your knees are bent or you are in a sitting position.  
It is best to take measurements at the same time each day, preferably in the evening.  
If doing so 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-531 can be operated as a body fat monitor only if data has been pre-programmed  
into one of the four PERSONAL keys. The weight only function works independently.  
The unit has an automatic shut-down function. If you do not step on the platform after  
selecting a PERSONAL key, the unit will automatically shut off in about 30 seconds.  
ADULT  
CHILD  
1. Turn on the power  
Use the Set button to turn the unit on. The numbers (1-2-3-4) will appear and the  
display will flash.  
2. Select a personal number  
ADULT  
CHILD  
Use the Up or Down buttons to select a personal number. After selecting the number,  
press the Set button.  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
CHILD  
3. Select Adult or Child  
Use the Up or Down buttons to specify Adult/Child, then press the Set button.  
Adult (over 18 years old)  
Child (up to 18 years old)  
Child = up to the age of 18, over 3.6 ft (107 cm)  
Adult = age 18 or older  
The TBF-531 is not intended for use by persons involved in intense aerobic exercise of at least  
10 hours per week and who have a resting heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.  
It is also not intended for professional athletes or bodybuilders who may experience physical  
changes due to dehydration.  
Female  
Male  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
CHILD  
4. Select Male or Female  
Press the Up or Down buttons to specify the appropriate gender, then press the Set button.  
Female  
Male  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
ft in  
5. Specify the height  
CHILD  
cm  
Press the Up or Down buttons to specify the height (hold the button down continuously  
for speed setting). Then press the Set button.  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
CHILD  
Once the height is specified, data storage is complete. The display will flash all data  
(Adult/Child, gender, and height) for 3 seconds to confirm the programming. The  
power will automatically turn off after the confirmation. To set the next PERSONAL  
key, repeat steps 1 through 5 after the power shuts off.  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
ft in  
CHILD  
cm  
For the kg version  
For the lb version  
7
 
Tanita TBF-531 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Taking measurements  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
CHILD  
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.  
ft in  
cm  
kg  
kg  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
CHILD  
lb  
lb  
NOTE: Do not hold the switch down or the display will show errorand the  
programmed data will be erased and require resetting.  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
CHILD  
The TBF-531 switches on, and the display shows the programmed data.  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
CHILD  
After 2 or 3 seconds, the display will show 0.0 lb.  
For the kg version  
For the lb version  
2. Take measurement  
Wait for 0.0 lbto appear before stepping onto the measuring platform.  
NOTE: If you do not wait for 0.0 lb.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 toe and heel electrodes  
on the measuring platform. Stand erect on the platform.  
NOTE: If you do not step onto the measuring platform within about 20 seconds after  
0.0 lbappears, the power shuts off automatically.  
Your weight will be shown first. ooooowill 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 shuts off automatically.  
ADULT  
CHILD  
%
ADULT  
CHILD  
%
ADULT  
CHILD  
%
%
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
CHILD  
ADULT  
CHILD  
lb  
kg  
Displays for 2 seconds repeatedly  
Taking weight measurement only  
1. Select weight only key  
Using your toe, tap the weight only key to select weight measurement. After 2 or 3  
seconds, 88888will appear in the display and then it will show 0.0 lb.  
2. Take measurement  
Step onto the measuring platform.  
Be sure that your toes and heels are correctly aligned with the toe and heel electrodes  
on the measuring platform.  
Tap the weight only key by using your toe  
The body weight will appear. If you remain on the platform, the display will flash for  
about 30 seconds, and then the power shuts off automatically. If you step off the  
platform, the weight will continue to show for about 5 seconds.  
8
 
Changing values in memory  
Perform steps 1 through 5 in Setting and storing data in memoryon p. 7.  
Replacing the batteries  
When the batteries run low, the Lomessage 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 will last for about one year if a family of four uses the unit once every  
day. The unit comes with 4 trial batteries. Their service life will be short.  
9
 
Tanita TBF-531 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Troubleshooting  
If the following problems occur...  
Then...  
Nothing appears in the LCD after  
Check foot alignment. Make sure you wait for 0.0 lbto appear before stepping on  
initial display.  
the platform. Check to see that the batteries are new and are in the correct position.  
Nothing appears when a PERSONAL key  
No data (Adult/Child, gender, height) has been pre-set in memory for that key. Enter data.  
is pressed, or  
The display shows - - - - -and goes off  
when a PERSONAL key is pressed.  
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 pp. 7-8.  
The body fat percentage measurement  
is extremely low.  
Be sure you are measuring in the correct user mode (Adult/Child, gender), and that the  
soles of your feet are clean and properly aligned with the guides on the measuring plat-  
form. Consider whether or not you are over-hydrated. Step off and repeat steps on pp. 7-8.  
The body fat percentage measurement  
is extremely high.  
Be sure you are measuring in the correct user mode (Adult/Child, gender), 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 pp. 7-8.  
The display reads errorinstead of the weight.  
Wait for 0.0 lbto appear in the display before stepping onto the platform.  
SPECIFICATIONS: TBF-531 BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALE  
Unit: lb  
300 lb  
Unit: st-lb  
21st-6lb  
Unit: kg  
136 kg  
Capacity  
0-300 lb / 0.5 lb  
0-136 kg / 0.2 kg 0-21st-6lb / 0.5lb  
Graduation  
Fat Percentage  
0.5%  
DC 6V AA-size (UM3-type) dry battery (x4) included  
60 mA maximum  
Power Supply  
Power Consumption  
Measuring Current  
UPC No:  
After sales service  
Please contact the store at which 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).  
50 kHz 500 µA  
TBF-531-LG (Light Grey) 742496-163905  
Not for trade use.  
10  
 
TANITA PRODUCTS LIMITED WARRANTY  
Not Valid Without Proof of Purchase  
Your Tanita product is warranted to the original consumer only, for one (1) year, to be free from defects in materials and work-  
manship 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 obliga-  
tion 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 recov-  
ery may not be greater than the purchase price paid for this product. Some states do not allow limitation 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 Tanita 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  
AStepToward A Healthier Life.  
11  
 
©1998 Tanita Corporation 5/98 HDI  
TANITA Corporation  
TANITA Corporation of America Inc.  
2625 S. Clearbrook Drive  
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA  
Tel. 847-640-9241 Fax 847-640-9261  
Toll Free 1-800-TANITA-8  
http:// WWW.TANITA.COM (English)  
http:// WWW.TANITA.CO.JP (Japanese)  
14-2, 1-Chome, Maeno-Cho  
Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan  
Tel. 03-3968-2123 Fax 03-3967-3766  
ISO 9001 Certified  
TANITA UK Ltd.  
TANITA France S.A.  
3-3 Bis, Rue Charcot 92200  
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France  
Tel. 01-5524-9999  
TANITA Health Equipment H.K. Ltd.  
Unit 301-303 3/F Wing On Plaza  
62 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East  
Kowloon, Hong Kong  
TANITA Europe GmbH  
Dresdener Strasse 25  
D-71065 Sindelfingen, Germany  
Tel. 07031-61896  
Tanita House, Willow Avenue, Denham  
Uxbridge, Middlesex UB9 4AF, Great Britain  
Tel. 01895-232355  
Fax 01895-233116  
Fax 01-5524-9868  
Tel. 852-2838-7111 Fax 852-2838-8667  
Fax 07031-618971  
 

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