No successful journey can begin without knowing where you're starting from. The same is true for getting in shape without first knowing the shape you are currently in. That's what makes the Baseline Body Fat Monitor so important in health and fitness. Nothing else gives such a complete snapshot of the current status of your body so quickly. In just seconds, the Monitor measures body fat, body mass index (BMI) and Kilo Calorie (KCAL). PLEASE NOTE, when setting up the device, the weight and height can only be entered in metric units (KG and CM). Being informed allows the right areas to be targeted and a safe and healthy training and diet plan to be developed in conjunction with medical professionals. Wireless and handheld, the Monitor is simple to use. Lightweight and portable, it's also a breeze to take where it's needed and storage is a snap. Once the batteries (included) are in and the profile is set up, grab the two electrode handles and a small, harmless electrical signal speeds throughout the body. This is called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and is internationally recognized as a commonly used method for estimating body composition. Because it takes different amounts of time for the signal to pass through fat, muscle, bone and water, the time it takes the signal to move from one side of your body to the other is how body fat is calculated. Fat slows the signal down, so for example the more muscle and the less fat that's measured, the faster the signal completes its journey. Within seconds the results appear on the easy-to-read LCD screen, a calculation of the personal data entered (height, weight, age, sex, etc.) compared to the speed of the electrical signal. Body fat is important to know because too much can lead to obesity and obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. BMI looks at body fat relative to height. The KCAL measurement looks at the basal metabolic rate, which is the rate that a person burns calories for basic metabolism functions such as breathing, maintaining body temperature and blood circulation. In most healthy people, the basal metabolic rate accounts for about 60 to 75% of the calories burned by the body. The three results combined offer users a complete but basic Body Composition Analysis. The unit includes two AAA batteries and an illustrated instruction book. Accurate to within +/- 0.1%. Results are displayed in five symbols: emaciated, standard, hide corpulent, muscle corpulent and corpulent. Included charts note the classification of the results. Capable of storing up to 9 personal profiles. While accurate, this device is only for reference. Please consult a doctor to determine the proper fat percentage for your body and health status. Baseline Products are a trusted name in measurement and evaluation instruments. Their products have been used by Medical Professionals, Therapists, Doctors and Rehab Clinics all over the world since 1974. If you have ever received therapy after an injury, you have probably had your progress tested and measured with a Baseline measurement instrument.