Tanita Scale TBF 621 User Manual

TBF-621BODYFAT  
MONITOR/SCALE  
Instruction Manual  
Read this Instruction Manual carefully  
and keep it for future reference.  
 
English: Instruction Manual  
Introduction  
Thank you for selecting the Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-621.  
This two-memory model uses the BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis)  
technique, a state-of-the-art technology for body fat assessment.  
Safety Precautions  
Persons with implanted medical equipment, such as a pacemaker, should not use the  
TBF-621. This Body Fat Monitor/Scale passes a low-level electrical signal through the body,  
which may interfere with the operation of a pacemaker.  
• The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-621 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 quality standards required for heavy usage experienced under professional conditions.  
• Do not use this unit on slippery surfaces such as wet floors.  
• Disabled people should be assisted by someone else, or use a handrail when using  
the TBF-621.  
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.  
Important Notes for Users  
The TBF-621 is intended for use by adults and children with moderately active to inactive  
lifestyles. It is not intended for people with athletic body types.  
Tanita defines “athlete” as a person 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.  
Tanitas athlete definition includes “lifetime of fitness” individuals who have been fit for  
years but currently exercise less than 10 hours per week.  
Tanitas 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.  
People with athletic body types should use Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scales equipped with  
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 estimates 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-621 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-621 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.  
1
 
TBF-621 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Principles of Estimating Body Fat Percentage  
The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-621 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.  
The chart below shows reasonable ranges of body fat percentage.  
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-621 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.  
Tanita’s patented foot-pad” design sends a safe,  
low-level electrical signal through the body to  
determine its composition.  
The illustration on the left show how the signal travels through the body.  
Body Fat Percentage Fluctuations in a Day  
Body Fat %  
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.  
22  
21  
20  
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.  
19  
18  
17  
6am  
10am  
2pm  
6pm  
10pm Time  
The graph on the left shows an example of daily body fat percentage fluctuations.  
Daily fluctuations in body fat percentage based on  
the BIA technique.  
2
 
Advantages of the Tanita TBF-621  
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).  
Tanitas BIA method uses equations derived from large, multi-ethnic population studies to  
predict body composition. Readings taken with Tanitas TBF-621 correlate highly with both  
DEXA (Tanitas reference model) and Hydrodensitometry.  
Features and Functions  
Components  
Measuring Platform  
Support Feet (4)  
Batteries (4)  
This Instruction Manual  
Educational Booklet  
“Getting Started” Workbook  
Measuring Platform  
1. Display Screen  
2. Orange Set Button  
3. Green Arrow (Select) Button  
4. Ball-of-Foot Electrodes  
5. Heel Electrodes  
1
3
2
6. Personal Keys (Start Switches)  
Setting of Adult or Child, Male or  
Female, and Height for two  
persons can be stored in the  
memory of the unit.  
4
5
Accessories  
7. Support Feet (4)  
6
Only needed if unit is placed  
on carpet. Do not use these feet  
on hard flooring.  
8. Batteries (4)  
8
7
3
 
TBF-621 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Useful Features of the TBF-621  
• The TBF-621 allows you to measure both weight and body fat percentage simultaneously as  
easily and simply as stepping on a scale.  
• The TBF-621 can be set for an Adult or Child, Male or Female, increasing the accuracy of  
the reading.  
• Personal data (Adult/Child, Male/Female and Height) are stored in the memory of the unit.  
Switching the Weight Mode  
The TBF-621 can measure weight in three different modes: lb (pounds), kg (kilograms) or st-lb  
(British stone-pounds). The default setting (the setting at which Tanita products are shipped) is  
lb. If you would like to change that setting, or if at any point another setting has been  
inadvertently entered, follow these steps:  
Press  
to cycle through each weight mode until just the mode that you require is displayed. Then  
press . The display screen will flash to confirm your selection and store it in memory.  
and  
simultaneously. Release the buttons, the display will flash. Press  
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 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 or button operation.  
• After you have completed the measuring process.  
Note: If the power shuts off unexpectedly, repeat the measuring process.  
Open as shown  
Direction of the batteries  
Preparations Before Use  
Inserting the Batteries  
1. Locate the battery cover on the back of the measuring platform. Press the tab to release the  
cover as shown.  
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 monitor 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  
m easuring 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, flat surfaces, as the unit may tip over.  
4
 
Setting and Storing Data in Memory  
The TBF-621 can be operated only if data has been preprogrammed into one of the two  
Personal keys. Once programmed, tapping a Personal key turns the monitor on. The unit has  
an automatic shut-down function. If you do not step on the platform after pressing a  
Personal key, the unit will automatically shut off in about 30 seconds.  
The TBF-621 is intended for use by adults and children who have moderately active to  
inactive lifestyles.  
The TBF-621 is not intended for use by persons with athletic body types. (See p.1 for Tanitas  
definition of “athlete.”)  
1. Turn on the Power  
When programming data, use the Orange Set button to turn the unit on. The register  
numbers (1 or 2”) will appear and the display will flash.  
Turn the unit on.  
2. Select a Personal Key  
Use the Green Arrow button to select a Personal key, then press the Orange Set button.  
3. Select Adult or Child  
Select 1 or 2.”  
Store in memory.  
Store in memory.  
Store in memory.  
Use the Green Arrow button to specify Adult or Child, then press the Orange Set button.  
Adult = age 18 or older, who has moderately active to inactive lifestyle.  
Child = up to the age of 18, over 3' 4" (102 cm), who has moderately active  
to inactive lifestyle.  
4. Select Male or Female  
Select Adult  
or Child.  
Use the Green Arrow button to select Male or Female, then press the Orange Set button.  
(
) Male  
(
) Female  
5. Specify the Height  
Use the Green Arrow button to specify Height. Then press the Orange Set button.  
Select Male  
or Female.  
The display will flash all data (Adult/Child, Male/Female and Height) for three seconds to  
confirm the programming. The power will automatically turn off.  
Getting Accurate Readings  
To get the most accurate absolute values, readings should be taken without clothing and  
under consistent conditions of hydration. 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.  
Female  
Male  
Note: An accurate reading 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.  
Specify Height.  
Store in memory.  
It is best to take readings at the same time of day. 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 taken under the same conditions over a  
period of time.  
Confirmed data will flash for three seconds.  
5
 
TBF-621 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Taking Readings  
1. Turn on the Power  
Using your toe, turn the unit on by tapping your Personal key. Release the key within  
three seconds.  
Your preset data will appear (Adult/Child, Male/Female and Height).  
Immediately after your preset data, the display will show “0.0.”  
Turn the unit on by tapping your Personal key.  
2. Take Reading  
Wait for “0.0” to appear before stepping onto the measuring platform.  
Your preset data will appear.  
Wait for “0.0” to appear and step on.  
Your weight will be shown first.  
Note: If you step on before 0.0,” you will not receive a reading.  
Be sure you are barefoot, and that the soles of your feet are clean and dry.  
Be sure that the heel and ball of each foot is directly on top of the electrodes on the  
measuring platform. Stand erect on the platform. Accurate readings can still be obtained  
even if your toes overhang the platform.  
Note: If you do not step onto the measuring platform within about 20 seconds after 0.0” appears, the power  
shuts off automatically.  
Your weight will be shown first. The numbers 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 will appear on the display. The  
numbers will disappear, and your body fat percentage will be displayed.  
Continue to stand erect on the platform. The values of body fat percentage and body weight  
will be displayed alternately at two-second intervals. If you remain on the platform, the  
display will continue for about 30 seconds, and then the power will automatically turn off.  
Your body fat percentage will be displayed.  
If you step off the platform, the alternating display of body fat percentage and body weight  
will be repeated three times, and then the power will automatically turn off.  
Multiple Users  
The unit may be used by more than two persons. Simply repeat the programming process.  
(Steps 1 through 5 of Setting and Storing Data in Memory.)  
Note: Previously stored data will be erased in the Personal key.  
Replacing the Batteries  
When the batteries run low, the “Lo” message will appear in the display window. When this  
message appears, be sure to replace the batteries immediately, since weak batteries will  
affect the accuracy of your readings.  
Your setting will not be erased from the memory when you remove the batteries.  
Batteries run low.  
New batteries can last for about one year if the unit is used once every day. The unit comes  
with trial batteries; their service life may be short.  
6
 
Handling Tips  
Specifications  
TBF-621  
This monitor is a precision instrument utilizing state-of-the-art technology. To keep the unit  
in the best condition, follow these instructions carefully:  
Weight Capacity  
• Do not attempt to disassemble the measuring platform.  
300 lb (136 kg) (21 st-6 lb)  
• Store the unit horizontally, and place it so that the Personal keys will not be  
pressed accidentally.  
Weight Increments  
0.5 lb (0.2 kg) (0.5 lb)  
• Avoid excessive impact or vibration to the unit.  
Body Fat Increments  
1%  
• Place the unit in an area free from direct sunlight, heating equipment, high humidity, or  
extreme temperature change.  
Power Supply  
Never submerge the unit in water. Use alcohol to clean the electrodes and glass cleaner to  
keep them shiny, applied to a cloth first; avoid soaps.  
DC 6V AA-size (UM3-type) battery (x4)—included  
Power Consumption  
60 mA maximum  
• When you change the batteries, exchange all four at the same time with new batteries.  
Measuring Current  
50 kHz 500 µA  
Troubleshooting  
If the following problems occur... then...  
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).  
“ st-lb” or “ kg” appears while taking a weight measurement.  
The units Weight Mode” has been set to measure your weight in units of stone-pounds  
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 of preset data.  
Check foot alignment. Make sure you wait for “0.0” to appear before stepping on the  
platform. Check to see that the batteries are fresh and are in the correct positions.  
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, Male/Female or Height) has been stored in the memory of that  
Personal key.  
The body fat percentage reading does not appear after the weight is measured.  
Vibration will interfere with the fat percentage reading. 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.6.  
The body fat percentage reading is extremely low/extremely high.  
Be sure you have selected the correct user mode (Adult/Child, Male/Female), and that the  
soles of your feet are clean and properly aligned with the guides on the measuring platform.  
Consider whether or not you are overhydrated. Step off and repeat steps on p.6. Dehydration,  
foot calluses, etc. will interfere with the fat percentage reading. Step off and repeat steps on p.6.  
If you need assistance, please call our toll-free customer service number at 1-800-TANITA-8  
(USA and Canada only).  
7
 
TBF-621 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  
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 at1-800-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  
8
 
©2000 Tanita Corporation 7/00 HDI  
www.tanita.com  
Tanita Corporation of Japan  
14-2, 1-Chome, Maeno-Cho  
Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 174-8630  
Tel: 03-3968-2123  
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  
Fax: 03-3967-3766  
ISO 9001 Certified  
e-mail: 4health@tanita.com  
Tanita France S.A.  
Villa Labrouste  
68 Boulevard Bourdon  
92200 Neuilly-Sur Seine  
Tel: 01-5524-9999 Fax: 01-5524-9868  
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 UK Ltd.  
The Barn, Philpots Close, Yiewsley,  
West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 7RY, UK  
Tel: 01895-438-577  
Tel: 852-2838-7111 Fax: 852-2838-8667  
Fax: 07031-618971  
Fax: 01895-438-511  
 

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