Advantages of the Tanita BF-542
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 present problems—professional skills are
required, the procedures take time and are often invasive, and measurement values vary.
Currently, the gold standard methods of fat percentage measurement are DEXA (dual energy
x-ray absorptiometry) and Hydrodensitometry (underwater weighing).
Tanita’s BIA method uses equations derived from large, multi-ethnic population studies to
predict body composition. Readings taken with Tanita’s BF-542 correlate highly with both
DEXA (Tanita’s reference model) and Hydrodensitometry.
Features and Functions
Components
Measuring Platform Warranty
Support Feet (4) Educational Booklet
AA-Size Batteries (4) Getting Started Workbook
Instruction Manual
Measuring Platform
1. Display Screen
2. Orange Set Button
3. Green Arrow (Select) Buttons
4. Toe Electrodes
5. Heel Electrodes
6. Guide Marks Sticker
For positioning heels when
standing on the unit.
7. Personal Keys (Start Switches)
Setting of Child, Adult or Athlete,
Male or Female, and Height for
four persons can be stored in the
memory of the unit.
8. Weight Measurement Key
Use for weight measurement only.
Accessories
9. Support Feet (4)
For use on carpeting only (max.
recommended carpet thickness
0.8 in); a hard, uncarpeted
surface is recommended.
10. AA-Size Batteries (4)
3