Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor, Black

by Omron

Product Features

• Analyzer measures your body fat with a gentle, micro electrical current
• Two modes -- athletic and normal -- provide accurate results based on your exercise regiment
• Delivers measurement results for Bi method (Bioelectrical Impedance Method) and BMI (Body Mass Index)
• Delivers results in approximately seven seconds
• Features a nine person memory profile for the whole family
• 9 person profile
• Accurate readings in seconds
• Athlete mode for accurate results for athletes
• Measures 2 fitness indicators: body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI)
• Monitor your progress in losing body fat

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Omron HBF-306C Body Fat Analyzer measures your body fat with a gentle, micro electrical current -- don't worry, you won't feel it. The key to long-term exercise success is accurate body fat composition measurement. This handheld body fat analyzer is an affordable and easy way to measure your body fat in the privacy of your own home. After inputting the data, a measurement can be started by simply holding the grip electrodes and pressing the start button. And since the analyzer is built with a nine person profile memory, each member of your family or team can track the success of their individual exercise routines.

The Omron HBF-306C measures body fat with a micro electrical current. Detailed view.

The screen displays body fat measurements and other data. Detailed view.

Easy-to-use, handheld design.

The HBF-306C features two modes -- athlete and normal -- for accurate results. The device is a breeze to use, and it returns measurement results in seven seconds for both Bi method (Bioelectrical Impedance Method) and BMI (Body Mass Index). The unit displays the measured value of your body fat percentage through the BMI method, and indicates the body mass in for ranges from low, normal, high, and very high according to the BMI value.

What is the Bioelectrical Impedance Method?
Muscles, blood vessels and bones are body tissues having a high water content that conduct electricity easily. Body fat is tissue that has little electric conductivity. The Body Fat Analyzer sends an extremely weak electrical current of 50 kHz and 500 µA through your body to determine the amount of fat tissue. This weak electrical current is not felt while operating the Body Fat Analyzer. The Bioelectrical Impedance Method safely combines the electric resistance with the distance of the electricity conducted. Correct posture and consistent measuring conditions need to be maintained for the best results.

Operating the Analyzer
To use the HBF-306C you must first set your personal datYou must first select between the Normal and Athlete modes. To determine if you should select Normal or Athlete, you must calculate your FIT index by using the following formula:

• FIT Index = Frequency x Intensity x Time

Frequency is a single digit number from one to five that represents your frequency of exercise. If you exercise daily or almost daily, then use the number five; three to four times per week use four; one to two times per week use three; a few times per month use two; and for less than once a month use one. If you workout vigorously, then you use the number five to represent your intensity level; if you workout with moderate or light effort, use the number four.

Meanwhile, time is a single digit number from four to one that represents the duration of your workout. If you exercise for 45 minutes or more, then use the number four; 30-44 minutes use three; 15-29 minutes use two; and for less than 15 minutes use one. For example, if you run five times a week for 30 minutes, your FIT index would be 75 (5 x 5 x 3 = 75) and you would select the Athlete setting. If your FIT index is greater than 60, you should select the Athlete setting. Any number below would demand a normal setting.

After determining your FIT index and selecting between the Athlete and Normal setting, the remaining personal data is very straightforward. Simply enter your height, weight, age and gender. When all the data is fixed and stored, the analyzer screen will display "Ready," and you'll be ready to take your first body fat measurements.

Note: For the following cases, the body fat percentage measured by this unit may significantly differ from the actual body fat percentage.

• Children in a growth stage
• Elderly people and post-menopausal women
• People with a fever
• People who have swelling
• Patients with osteoporosis who have very low bone density
• Bodybuilders or professional athletes
• Patients undergoing dialysis

Compare Omron Fitness Monitors
	HB-400	HB-500	HBF-306	HR-100
Measurement	Body fat percentage Body mass index Weight	Body fat percentage Visceral fat level Skeletal muscle percentage Resting metabolism Body mass index Weight	Body fat percentage Body mass index	Heart rate and pulse
Product Placement	Flat level floor	Flat level floor	Hold in front of body	Watch on wrist Transmitter around chest
Memory	4 person profile with previous reading	4 person profile 1/7/30/90 day(s) memory	9 person profile	None
Warranty	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year
Batteries	4 "AA" (included)	4 "AA" (included)	2 "AA" (included)	2 CR2032 3 volt (included)
Estimated Battery Life	Approx. 1 year (when used four times a day)	Approx. 1 year (when used four times a day)	Approx. 1 year (when used four times a day)	Approx. 1 year (varies depending on storage and use)

Q&A - Fitness Monitors

What is the Bioelectrical Impedance Method?
Bioelectrical Impedance (BI) is considered one of the most accurate and accessible methods of screening body fat. Muscles, blood vessels and bones are body tissues having a high water content that conduct electricity easily. Body fat is tissue that has little electric conductivity. The monitor sends an extremely weak electrical current through your body to determine the amount of fat tissue. The weak electrical current is not felt while operating the Body Fat Analyzer. The monitor is calculated by a formula that includes five factors; electric resistance, height, weight, age and gender.
What is visceral fat?
Visceral fat is located around the organs. Too much visceral fat is thought to be closely linked to increased level of fat in the bloodstream, which can lead to common conditions such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Sedentary life style causes excess visceral fat, and exercise can reduce it quicker than subcutaneous fat (fat located under skin).
What is resting metabolism?
Resting metabolism is the energy to maintain vital functions and it counts 60 to 70% of total energy consumption. Knowing your resting metabolism can help your dietplan. If you can increase daily activity while keeping food intake at resting metabolism level, you can lose weight.
What is skeletal muscle?
Skeletal muscle is muscle attached to the bones that is used to move the body. If you do weight loss without exercise, you may lose skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is important to maintain your resting metabolism as well as your functionality. Monitoring skeletal muscle during weight loss is key to avoid weight rebound in the future.

Product Description

Fat loss monitor. Measures 2 fitness indicators: body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI).

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9 x 2 x 6 inches ; 12.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000FYZMYK
• UPC: 073796306304
• Item model number: HBF-306C
• Batteries: 2 AAA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (375 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)
  • #2 in Health & Personal Care > Medical Supplies & Equipment > Health Monitors > Body Fat Monitors

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

571 of 576 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars bad reviewers: knowledge is power!, March 26, 2009

By 

Chandler - See all my reviews
(#1 REVIEWER)    (#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor, Black (Health and Beauty)

I never buy anything without doing research on what to buy first. If you read about BMI analyzers on About.com it not only recommends this as one of their top 3 picks over ANY kind of body fat analyzer, but it also explains why some people didnt get the results expected on these comments...because of user error.

Most admit to using this first thing in the morning.
It says on about.com never to do that. For accurate readings, use 3 hours after a meal, never first thing in the morning, (you are dehydrated then) never use when dehydrated, but you should use after emptying your bladder. (remember it's guaging what percent of you is muscle vs water so you want your body water to be balanced and normal...not too low with dehydration, not too high with a full bladder.) Also it's best to use this, or any monitor, when unclothed if possible. Ive found that part not to matter that much as everyone at my office borrows this sometimes and, because bare workers would be awkward, we've found it to read accurately clothed. :-)

Also, if you have a very high muscle mass and a very low BMI set it on "athlete" for an accurate reading. So yes, even bodybuilders CAN use it...you just have to know how.

This explained those who had problems and the unbiased rating on the aformentioned website (and others) states that this is WAY more accurate than calipers...made me buy it. I"d used it before at the gym and it was always great. But before I purchase on my own, I learn.

I use mine often and it is right on target as to what's going on with my body. A handheld non-electronic (or even electronic if it's the kind you place ON your fat) caliper will vary if you do not measure the EXACTLY in the same place each time and squeeze to the exact resistance. You avoid that common error via this latest technology.This has the latest.

I bought this one because or reading about what technology works the best from consumer tests by the experts. And I am happy with my purchase.

As an aside, I also discovered the scales that do fat testing through your feet are not as accurate as this method of testing either, even the Omron scale didnt test for accuracy as well as this Omron fat tester.

So I thought I'd share what i found in my week of research prior to purchase.

I love this body fat analyzer and my friends who have used it got their own as well. If you are bloated, your scale can't tell you why your weight is up. This can. And some days, I thank it for that!

167 of 170 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Overall Gauge At A Good Price, January 9, 2007

By 

G. Bailor (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor, Black (Health and Beauty)

I highly recommend the Omron fat loss monitor for anybody who is serious about monitoring their body fat.

Why I Recommend It:
1. EASY to use. It's almost dummy-proof
2. Inexpensive. For less than $26 you can have it delivered (Super-Saver shipping) including batteries.
3. I don't need help to use it. I don't know of any other method that you can do in the privacy of your home each and every day with the exception of calipers. And you need somebody else to use the calipers on you. Since they're only accurate if that person knows what he/she is doing and measures you in the exact same place each time, I think it's just easy to get a monitor.
4. Quick. I can take a measurement in about 10 seconds.

General Thoughts/Suggestions:
1. The instruction manual mentions this also but... Make sure to take the measurement at the same time each day. I take my measurements right before I leave the house for work before I've eaten or drank anything for the day.
2. Don't expect the results to be perfect. If the measurement tells you that you're 16% body fat, that's probably pretty close to what you actually are. But depending on how much water you've had to drink, how recently you've exercised, how recently you've eaten, etc., the reading could go up to 17% or down to 15%. It's best to be consistent with when you take your measurements and to use the monitor as a guide to tell you if you're gaining or losing. I think of it as a fat loss compass... not a fat loss GPS.
3. Make sure that you keep your stats updated in the computer memory. I'm on a fat loss routine right now. I've lost 15 lbs since I began using the Omron monitor. It only takes a second to update your personal stats in the monitor's memory. But you need to do it. Otherwise it'll give you an inaccurate reading.

All in all, I'd say this is a great investment. Yes, you can lose body fat without using a monitor. But it is also possible to lose weight without losing body fat (i.e. water weight or muscle). I'm constantly tweaking my diet and workout routine to keep that percentage dropping. Without the monitor I'd be in the dark and I'm confident that I wouldn't have seen the progress that I've seen thus far.

Good luck & good health!

79 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Basic Product, February 20, 2007

By 

R. Seckel - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor, Black (Health and Beauty)

As a personal trainer I was interested to see how this product worked. I had read about them quite a bit. I have to say it is actually pretty accurate. It is not a dead on read but it is close and it is very user friendly. Just keep in mind that you want to try and use it at the same time of day every time for the most consistent reading. Overall a good product that is worth the money.