Ready to weigh in?

Here are some helpful tips for using your scale to do a weigh-in.

Before getting started…

There are a few important things you should know about your scale for the DYNAMO Study:

• The Tanita UM-081 scale uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology. This means that a safe, low-level electrical current is passed through the body.
• The current passes through different tissues at different speeds because of their varying water content and electrical conductivity. For example, the current passes more easily through water and lean tissue (like muscle) than it does through fat.
• Because of this, things like the clothes you are wearing and the amount of water in your body (or your body’s hydration) at the time of measurement are important factors in the readings you will get on the scale. If these factors vary, so will your measurements.
• Your body’s hydration levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day but can also be affected by eating, drinking, menstruation, illness, exercising, lying down, and bathing. Below, we will review some tips for ensuring you account for these fluctuations and get an accurate reading.

Here are a few tips for ensuring that your scale readings are accurate:

• All measurements should be taken at the same time of day under the same conditions. This is critical for accurate measurements.
• Ideally, you can take your measurements before dinner, after voiding your bladder, when hydration levels are more stable. Alternatively, you can take your measurements after waking and voiding your bladder. Most importantly, pick a time that works best for you and stick to it.
• The amount of water in your body affects the validity of these measures. For this reason, when thinking about the time of day you will be taking your measurements, consider the following:
  • Do stay hydrated the day before and the day of the measurement.
  • Do stand for 10-15 minutes before taking your measurements.
  • Do void your bladder and colon within 30 minutes of taking your measurements.
  • Do not eat or drink within 4 hours of taking your measurements.
  • Do not exercise within 4 hours of taking your measurements.
  • Do not consume alcohol within 24 hours of taking your measurements.
  • Do not severely restrict caloric intake within 48 hours of taking your measurements.
• When taking your measurements, wear minimal (or no) clothing by removing sweatshirts, hats, hair ornaments, outer garments, etc. Whether or not you choose to have minimal or no clothing, be consistent with each weigh-in.
• Always remove shoes and socks, and be sure that the bottom of your feet are clean.
• Remove any metal jewelry or accessories.  

Now, let’s get started! 

First, you will need to set up your scale using the following steps:

1. Insert the batteries provided into the scale by opening the battery cover on the back of the scale.
2. Use the switch on the back of the scale to select the preferred unit of measurement: lb (pounds).
3. Turn on the scale by pressing the “Set” button. The unit will beep to confirm activation.
4. The unit will display your “Personal Data Number”. Press the “Up/Down” buttons to select a “Personal Data Number” (we suggest using 1). Press the “Set” button. The unit will beep once to confirm.
5. Now the unit will display a default age of “30”. Use the “Up/Down” buttons to scroll through the numbers to select your age. Once you see your age, press the “Set” button. The unit will beep once to confirm.
6. Next, the unit will display a female and male icon. Use the “Up/Down” buttons to scroll and press the “Set” button. The unit will beep once to confirm.
7. Finally, the unit’s default height is 5’7”. Use the “Up/Down” buttons to scroll through the numbers to select your height. Once you see your height, press the “Set” button. The unit will beep twice to confirm, flash all data three times, and then power down automatically. Note: It is important to be precise with the height you report. This will greatly impact your measurements.

Ready to do a weigh-in?

Once you are ready to take your measurement, please follow these steps:

1. Remember, readings should be taken about 10-15 minutes after standing, under consistent conditions of hydration, at the same time of the day, and with no (or minimal) clothing. If you do not undress, always remove your metal accessories/jewelry, shoes, and socks, and be sure the soles of your feet are clean before stepping on the measuring platform.
2. Place your scale on a hard, flat surface.
3. 
4. Step on the scale (Note: An accurate reading will not be possible if your knees are bent or you are in a sitting position). Be sure that your heels are correctly aligned with the electrodes on the measuring platform. Don’t worry if your feet appear too large for the unit – accurate readings can still be obtained if your toes overhang the platform.
   
   
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6. Please take three clear pictures of the display each time a measurement flashes on the screen. This will include, in order: (1) body water percentage, (2) weight, and (3) body fat percentage. You will need to upload these to the survey for your timepoint.
7. The scale will automatically turn off once you have completed the measuring process.