The truth of the scale

Experts call it "body composition measurements". The test person stands with his feet on the "scales" with two electrodes each under the soles of his feet. For significantly better measuring accuracy than with home scales, 2x2 electrodes held in the hand are added in each case. During the measurement, a small current in the milliampere range is then sent from one electrode to the other through the body. In this way, the electrical resistance is measured individually for each arm, each leg and for the torso, since fat, water and muscle mass have different electrical conductivities.

Weight management

Together with values such as weight, gender and age, the 8-channel medical systems then calculate body fat percentage, water balance, and muscle mass and its distribution in the arms, legs and torso. The measurements provide information about the respective amount of body fat, muscle and about sufficient or insufficient fluid intake. The body analysis scales are therefore suitable for health monitoring and weight management.

For athletes, they are also used for training control. If weight and body fat percentage are too high, insulin resistance is likely to develop, often leading to diabetes, the so-called "sugar disease".

The latest measuring systems additionally allow measurement of the particularly "unhealthy" "visceral abdominal fat". In contrast to the fatty tissue, which is located directly under the skin (subcutaneous fatty tissue), the "visceral fat" (under the abdominal muscles), surrounds internal organs such as the liver or pancreas. The latter is a very metabolically active tissue. Among other things, it secretes certain pro-inflammatory messenger substances known as cytokines. If these messenger substances are circulating in the body, the organism is in a state of subliminal chronic inflammation. This is demonstrably involved in the development of arteriosclerosis and thus promotes the development of high blood pressure.

Current studies point to an increased risk of asthma, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and cancer if the body fat percentage is high enough. The measurement of visceral body fat percentage via bioimpedance body analysis therefore provides important information about possible health risks. If you want to reduce your (visceral) body fat, you should get moving. Running, biking, swimming, walking: endurance sports, along with targeted muscle building, are important for losing weight around the belly. Experts recommend three moderate endurance training sessions per week lasting at least 30 minutes. For those who cannot or do not want to do endurance sports, the everyday solution is to go for a walk every day!