Introduction

The Omron Body Fat Monitor HBF-306 is a handheld device designed to help users track their body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI) accurately. Utilizing proven bioelectrical impedance technology, it provides quick readings in about seven seconds, making it convenient for daily use. With two modes—standard and athlete—it caters to various fitness levels and can store up to nine individual profiles for family tracking. Priced at approximately $40, it offers an accessible way to monitor health goals effectively.

Usage Purpose

The Omron HBF-306 is intended for personal use, allowing users to track their body fat percentage, which is crucial for fitness goals, weight management, and overall health monitoring. This device is particularly useful for those who want to keep a close eye on their body composition without the need for frequent visits to a doctor or a gym.

How It Works

The Omron Body Fat Monitor uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology to measure body fat. Users simply stand on the device, holding onto the handles, and the device sends a small electrical current through the body to estimate fat percentage based on the resistance encountered.

Specifications

NOTE: These above specifications, are subject to change without notice.
This OMRON product is produced under the strict quality system of OMRON HEALTHCARE Co. Ltd., Japan.

Safety precautions

Important safety instructions
Please read the following instructions carefully, as they contain important information concerning the setting up, use and care of your Body Fat Monitor.

• Keep this manual for future reference.
• Do not disassemble the body fat monitor. Apart from the batteries, it contains no user serviceable parts.
• Do not subject the device to strong shocks.
• Do not subject the unit to extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, moisture or direct sunlight.
• Although there are no known side effects, the body fat monitor must NOT be used under the following conditions:
  • During an acute contagious disease;
  • By persons with medical implants (e.g. pacemakers);
  • By persons with any heart disease. Use the monitor after consultation with your doctor;
  • Never use it in combination with artificial heart-lung and other electronic life support systems;
  • Never use it in combination with an electrocardiograph and other (portable) electronic medical devices.
• Do not use the body fat monitor in a highly humid environment such as sauna or while you are in a bath or in a shower.
• Never submerse the unit in water.
• Do not let unattended children or infirm persons have access to the unit.
• If you discover that the body fat monitor is damaged or does not operate properly, switch it off immediately and stop using it. An authorized dealer using only original OMRON spare parts must carry out any repairs. Any part of the unit may only be repaired or replaced by the Omron Service representative.
• Please note that this device is only intended to measure the body composition.
• Do not commence weight reduction or exercise program without instructions/supervision by a doctor.

About body fat measurement

What is body fat percentage?
Body fat percentage refers to the percentage of body fat mass (the weight of the fat) in relation to body weight. The weight that is not fat is referred to as the fat free body mass. The human body is made up mainly of water with fat being the next largest percentage. The remainder of the body consists of proteins and carbohydrates in the form of muscles and minerals stored in your bones.

Your body fat percentage and body fat mass are determined by the following calculations:
Body fat percentage (%) = {Body fat mass (kg) ÷ Body weight (kg)} x 100 Body fat mass (kg) = Body weight (kg) - Fat-free mass (kg)

Ratio of the body constituents

Principles of body fat percentage measurement
Omron Body Fat Monitor measures the body fat percentage by the Bioelectrical Impedance (BI) method.

What is Bioelectrical impedance (BI) Method?
Tissues containing much water such as muscles, blood vessels, and bones are highly conductive with electricity, but fat tissues are not.

Therefore, by using this principle, it is possible to determine the ratio of fat tissue compared to other tissues in the body by measuring the electric resistance of the body tissues,using extremely weak electric current applications to the body. As the electric current applied to the human body during the body fat measurement is extremely weak, of about 50 KHz to 500 µA, one will not feel the electric stimulation, and this method is safe for the human body.

The electric resistance is determined by “facilitation of electric conductivity” and the “distance of the electricity conduction.” In order to find “facilitation of electric conductivity” for estimating the ratio of fat, it is necessary to always keep the “distance of the electricity conduction” at the same level. That is why we must maintain a correct posture during the measurement.

How to measure the body fat percentage

1. To calculate the body fat percentage (fat information of whole body) from the electric conductivity between both hands, the following five items (1) electric resistance, (2) height, (3) weight, (4) age, and (5) gender and a formula are employed.
2. This formula is formulated by OMRON using the basic data on human body, obtained from several hundreds people. By referring to the accumulated basic data, the body fat percentage is estimated from the conditions specific to users (5 items).
3. This basic data is obtained by “Under-water weighing method”, which is considered the most accurate body fat measurement method at present.

Caution to certain conditions
In some cases, the measured body fat percentage may differ too much from the actual body fat percentage. These exceptions are people whose measurements may vary due to continuous changing amount of water and tissue density within their bodies.

The conditions or circumstances NOT suitable for a correct measurement
If a measurement is made under the following physical conditions, the measured body fat percentage may differ significantly from the actual one because the water content in the body changes.

Recommendations for taking a measurement
If the palms of your hands are dry or the temperature of your palms or the grip of the electrodes are extremely cool, stable measurement is impossible, which may lead to error indication display or inaccurate results.
Please pay special attention in winter because the air is dry and/or the temperature is low.

Recommended times for measurement
Understanding the normal changes in your body fat percentage can help you in preventing or reducing obesity.

Being aware of the times when the body fat percentages shift within your own daily schedule will assist you in obtaining an accurate trend of your body fat. It is recommended to use this unit in the same environment and same daily circumstances.(See chart)

Features of the product

• Measures body fat percentage and more
  Measures body fat percentage, Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), assessment of body fat percentage & Body Mass Index (BMI) with graphical interpretation of body type.
• Accurate measurement
  The body fat percentage is measured based on the electric resistance and the personal data such as height, weight, age and gender. The measured results are closely correlated with the "under-water weighing method", which is said to be the standard measurement method for measuring body fat percentage.
• Measurement is fast and simple
  After setting the data, body fat mass can be measured by simply holding the grip electrodes and pushing the Start button. The measured results are displayed approximately 7 seconds after setting data.
• Large and clear displays
  The easy to read large digital and graphic displays can be understood at a glance. The measured results based on body fat percentage, BMR and on BMI calculations are displayed, as well as their interpretations and body fat percentage assessment.
• Memory
  The memory can store the personal data (height, weight, age and gender) of up to 9 people simultaneously.
• Small, lightweight and portable
• Energy saving

Know your unit

Display description

Battery installation and replacement

1. While pressing the mark on the battery cover on the back of the unit with your finger, slide off the cover in the direction of the arrow.
2. Insert two AAA batteries with the polarities in correct alignment, as indicated in the battery compartment.
3. Slide and securely close the battery cover

Battery life and replacement

When the battery replacement symbol flashes, replace both batteries with new ones.

To protect the environment, discard the used batteries in accordance with the local regulations regarding waste disposal procedure. Disposal can be done at your retail store or at appropriate collection sites.
As the batteries may leak and damage the main unit, please note the following points:

• Remove the batteries from this unit when you are not going to use it for a long period of time (approximately three months or more).
• Replace the worn batteries with new ones immediately.
• Do not use manganese and alkaline batteries together.
• Do not use new and worn batteries together.

Description

The Omron HBF-306 Body Fat Monitor is a sleek and user-friendly device that combines ease of use with advanced technology. Here’s what you can expect:

• BIA Technology: The device uses bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body fat percentage.
• Multi-Functionality: Besides measuring body fat, it also calculates body mass index (BMI) and provides a result based on the user’s age and gender.
• Large LCD Display: The clear and easy-to-read display shows results quickly and accurately.
• Storage Capacity: It can store up to 9 different user profiles, making it ideal for family use.
• Compact Design: The device is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store and move around.

Setup Guide

Setting up the Omron HBF-306 is straightforward and requires minimal effort:

1. Assembly: The device comes pre-assembled, so you don’t need to assemble any parts.
2. Placement: Place the monitor on a flat, dry surface. Ensure the area is free from any metallic objects that could interfere with the readings.
3. Calibration: There’s no need for calibration; simply step on the device and hold onto the handles.
4. Operation: After stepping on the device, the BIA technology will measure your body fat percentage within seconds.

Setting and using personal memory number

Push the O/I button to turn on the power.

Select the personal memory number

1. Push the s/t button and select a personal number from 1 to 9 or Guest. Guest data will not be stored in memory.
2.  Push the Set button.
   The personal number turns on and changes to height setting mode.
3. Set the personal data - continue with "Setting personal data before measurement.(see Pg. 13)
   Taking a measurement by using your personal memory (be sure the device is on):

Search your personal memory number

1. Push the button to select your memory number.
2. Push the Set button.
   The memory number is indicated and your personal data is displayed.
3. Carry out the measurement.
   Refer to "To take a measurement” (see pg. 14).

To change any values

1. Push the Set button to go to the personal data you want to change.
2. Push the button to change the setting.
   By pushing both the buttons at the same time, the current flashing display will reset to the initial value.

How to delete all 9 personal data values from the memory

1. Push the button and select the memory No. 1.
2. Push the SET button for 2 seconds.
3. All personal data is deleted.
4. The display segments turn on.
   (Same state as when the O/I button is pushed.)

If you leave the set items on the screen without confirmation, in approximately 1 minute the display will change to the initial values or to the values before setting. After 1 minute, the unit will automatically turn off. If your age, weight, or height has changed, correct the value accordingly.

Setting the personal data before measurement

Set the height (range: 100.0 cm to 199.5 cm).

1. The height value 160.0 cm flashes and HEIGHT is indicated.
2. Push the button to set the height value. The height value increases by increments of 0.5 cm each time the s button is pressed or decreases each time the t button is pressed. By pushing the button for more than 1 second, the height values change at a faster rate.
3. Push the Set button to set the height value. The display changes to the weight setting screen.

Set the weight (range: 10.0 kg to 199.8 kg).

1. The weight value 60 kg flashes and WEIGHT is indicated.
2. Push the s/t button to change the weight value. The weight value increments by 0.2 kg each time the button is pressed or decreases each time the button is pressed. By holding the button for more than 1 second, the weight values change at a faster rate.
3. Push the Set button to set the weight value. The display changes to the age setting screen.

Setting age (range: 10 to 80 years old).

1. The age value 40 flashes and the AGE is indicated.
2. Push the button to change the age. The age values change by 1 year. By holding the button for more than 1 second, the age values change at a faster rate.
3. Push the Set button to set the age value. The display changes to the gender setting screen.

Setting gender (male/ female)

1. The gender male “M” flashes.
2. Push the button to change the gender. The display of “M” (male) or “F” (female) flashes alternately.
3. Push the Set button to set the gender.

To take a measurement

1. Step 1: Check the display of “Measure”. “Measure” is displayed.

2. Step 2: Push the “Start” button. “Measure” is displayed.

   

3. Step 3: Stand with both feet slightly apart.

4. Step 4: Hold the grip electrodes. Wrap your middle finger around the groove of the handle. Place the palm of your hand on the top and the bottom electrodes. Put your thumbs up, resting on top of the unit.

   

5. Step 5: Hold your arms straight out, at a 90 degree angle to your body. Do not move during the measurement.

   

6. Step 6: On gripping with both hands, measurements will automatically begin.
   The right display will be shown during measurement.
   While measuring, the bar will increase from the left, 3 bars at a time until a maximum of 12 bars. The bar shows the completion of measurement. At the same time, body type will be updated in the display every second.
   Results are displayed. Please refer to next page for the interpretation of measurement results.
   To continue measuring, press “Start” again.

   

7. Step 7: Push the O/I button to turn the power off.
   If you do not push the O/I button, the unit will turn off automatically, approximately three minutes after displaying the measurement results.

   

Wrong measuring posture and grip

Interpretation of measurement results

These figures indicated based on the reference from obesity assessment recommended by Japan Obesity Association (Oct. 1999)

Body Fat Percentage Assessment

These figures indicated are based on the reference from obesity assessment recommended by Lohman (1986) and Nagamine (1972).

Why calculate body fat?

Let’s aim for a fit body by knowing your body type
When losing weight, it is important to understand where the lost weight is coming form. In order for a diet or exercise program to be truly successful, it must maintain or increase your lean body mass while reducing your body fat.

It’s important to monitor your body fat percentage and BMI value before putting efforts in building a healthy body carefully.
With Omron Body Fat Monitor, you can quicky and accurately measure your body fat.

Care and Storage

• Clean the main unit with a soft dry cloth. If the main unit is heavily stained, wipe it with a cloth lightly dampened with water or detergent, then wipe it dry with a dry cloth.
• Avoid an excessive amount of water, this can cause internal damage. Do not wipe the unit with benzene, gasoline, paint thinner, alcohol, or other volatile detergents.
• For professional use; disinfect the unit after use with a suitable disinfectant. Check the instructions of disinfectant prior to use.

Troubleshooting

Omron Body Fat Monitor HBF-306 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive operation makes it accessible to everyone.
• Accurate Readings: Provides reliable measurements using advanced BIA technology.
• Multi-User Friendly: Can store up to 9 different user profiles, ideal for family use.
• Compact Design: Lightweight and easy to store.
• Affordable: Priced competitively compared to other body fat monitors.

Cons

• Limited Additional Features: Unlike some other models, it doesn’t offer additional health metrics like muscle mass or water percentage.
• Dependence on User Input: Accurate readings depend on proper usage and standing position.
• Battery Replacement: Requires occasional battery replacements (batteries not included).

Customer Reviews

Customers generally praise the Omron HBF-306 for its accuracy and ease of use. Here are some common feedback points:

• Accuracy: Many users find the readings to be accurate and consistent.
• Ease of Use: The simplicity of operation is a major plus for most customers.
• Value for Money: Users feel it offers good value considering its price point.

Common Complaints

• Occasional Inconsistencies: Some users report occasional inconsistencies in readings, which can be resolved by ensuring proper standing position and dry feet.
• No Additional Health Metrics: Some users wish for more comprehensive health metrics beyond just body fat percentage.