Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Personal scales with internet connectivity

Bio Impedance Analysis (BIA) is the most precise measurement method in connection with body analysis scales. Body values like fat, water, and muscle mass are measured based on resistance (impedance), meaning the conductivity of the body. A short, electrical signal, which cannot be felt, is passed through the body via four electrode surfaces on the platform of the scale.

The individual types of tissue each have a different conductivity: body fat has little conductivity, while muscles-due to their high water content-have excellent conductivity. Due to these different levels of resistance it is possible to precisely specify the water content, muscle and fat content in connection with personal data like age, body height, gender, and the determined weight.

For Bio Impedance Measurement, a very weak electrical current, which cannot be felt, is passed through the body for a very short time. On principle this is completely harmless, with a few exceptions.

The following devices may NOT be used together with a body analysis scale as their functionality might thus be limited:

- electronic medical devices (e.g. pacemakers)
- electronic life-support systems (e.g. life-support machine)
- portable, electronic medical devices (e.g. electrocardiographs)

Your body analysis scale with internet access works best on a level and solid surface. Soft carpets may distort the measurement results. 

You need:
 

1. A broadband router with one free LAN port (10 Mbit/s) and internet access.
 

2. One electrical connection for the electric power supply of the web box.

3. An internet capable device (e.g. Smartphone, Tablet or PC/MAC) with a web browser of the newest generation. Software or app installation is not required!
 

4. Valid email address for registration on the portal.

Your measured body values (weight, fat, water, and muscle mass) are transmitted to the fitness portal immediately while weighing. In your personal account you will at any time have access to your measured values, which are represented in concise curves and tables, via Smartphone, Tablet, or PC.

Optimum body values depend on several personal factors, particularly age and gender. The body fat and body water content as well as muscle mass is different for men and women and also changes with increased age. Diet, physical activity, and targeted exercise however can have a positive influence on these factors. A body analysis scale uses age and gender as a basis to determine actual as well as ideal body values.

Your scale does not need any particular care. It is best to remove dust and dirt with a damp cloth. Do not use any corrosive or abrasive cleaning agents, which can cause permanent damage to your scale.

The skeletal muscles support and move the body on the one hand while on the other hand they are one of the body’s most important metabolic organs because they turn calories into energy. Muscles are also an important water reservoir in the body. Targeted muscle exercise stabilizes the body and affects not only the metabolism positively, but also the glucose and hormone balance in the body. Exercised muscles also help shape a firm body, keep the body young longer, and prevent pain in the musculoskeletal system.

Body fat has important tasks in the body: it protects the organs and joints and is an important reservoir for energy and vitamins. It also transports hormones, regulates our heat balance, and stabilizes the immune system. The optimum body fat content depends on individual factors, e.g. age, gender, and physical structure. Periodic monitoring is recommended for a healthy balance between fat and muscle mass.

The body mass index is a key indicator that is calculated based on the body weight in connection with the body height (body weight divided by body height in centimetres squared).

 


The BMI is only a reference value to determine the weight category (normal weight, underweight, overweight). Additional factors, e.g. age and gender, must be added for an enhanced interpretation.

Classification of body weight according to BMI
(Source: World Health Organisation, 2000)

The measurement results of a body analysis scale may provide different results based on the time of day. This is caused by the mechanism of the Bio Impedance Analysis and is not a sign of a malfunction of the scale.

Rather, such are caused by fluctuations in the water content of the body. The human body can lose up to 3 kg of liquid during sleep and is usually dehydrated in the morning after waking up. The water reserves are refilled during the course of the day.

For meaningful results, it is therefore recommended that a body analysis be performed in the evening (best between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.).

Besides these normal fluctuations, different results can also be caused due to changes in the water content based on diet, consumption of liquids, menstruation, illness, exercise, and bathing.

Distorted results can also occur in

- persons with fever, oedema or osteoporosis
- persons in dialysis treatment
- persons taking cardiovascular medication
- pregnant women
- persons under the age of 17
- persons of Asian and African origin

You will receive meaningful measurement results if you weigh yourself periodically at nearly the same time and undressed, if possible. For reliable measurement results, the scale should not be moved for three minutes prior to weighing. Stand on the scale with bare feet and symmetrically. An uneven load may distort the measurement result. Stand still and do not support yourself. It is best to always weigh yourself at the same location, since different floor, temperature, or humidity conditions can cause inaccurate results.

You will obtain the best comparison values with a body analysis between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Body weight and body mass index (BMI) alone do not provide meaningful information regarding physical fitness or nutritional status. A balanced fat and water content, on the other hand, is the foundation for increasing your fitness level.

A Soehnle body analysis scale determines these body values, provides concise analyses, and presents them in a concise manner.

Values recommended by health experts

* Based on NIH/WHO BMI guidelines (USA National Institute of Health/World Health Organisation). 

Overall, up to 8 different persons can be registered as users for each scale, whereas each individual registration is similar to a first registration. Every user requires a valid email address as well as the ID number of the scale and the web box in order to set up an individual account; this information must be provided during registration. You can find detailed instructions at (my.soehnle.com/manual).

It might not be possible to clearly allocate measured values (e.g. if the values differ greatly from the last measured value) if several persons are linked to one scale. In this case you will see a note directly on the start page of your personal account. When you click on this note you will be taken to a table view of the measured values that cannot be allocated. There you will be able to either allocate the values to your personal profile or discard them.

Short, printed instructions are enclosed with each body analysis scale, where you can find the most important information. Extensive operating instructions are available for download at my.soehnle.com/manual for all other questions regarding safety, start-up operation, and use. If you do not find an answer for your question, our consumer service will be happy to assist you:

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – noon
Germany: phone 0800 – 5 34 34 34
International: phone +49 – 26 44 – 97 70

For written inquiries we recommend using our contact form at the SOEHNLE website www.soehnle.com where you will also find the contact addresses of the SOEHNLE representative office for your country.

Absolute values are determined while measuring the proportion of body fat, muscles and water content. As fat and muscle cells also consist of a certain percentage rate of water, this water content is in principle counted twice. The value over 100 per cent, which is the result of the addition, is variable as the water content changes when increasing or decreasing fat or muscle cells*.

*(Fat cells have a water content of approx. 25 per cent, muscle cells on the other hand contain approx. 75 per cent water.)