SlimStep
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q) What is BIA and body fat percentage?
A) BIA (Bio-Impedance Analysis) is a technique that measures body impedance (resistance to a small electrical signal) to compute your ratio of body fat by weight. The resulting body fat percentage tells you how much of your total weight is composed of fat. This is a more useful measure of true fitness than weight alone.

Q) How is body fat measured?
A) Muscle tissue and fat exhibit different impedance. By applying a small electrical signal at the palms, this difference can be measured and used to calculate body fat percentage.

Q) Can I feel the electrical signal?
A) No. The signal is extremely small and you will not feel anything when the measurement is being made.

Q) How is body fat computed from bio-impedance?
A) Your sex, age, height, and weight determine your "body profile", a measure of total volume and typical composition (females normally have higher body fat than males). A mathematical formula uses this profile to compute your actual body fat from the impedance measurement.

Q) What should my body fat percentage be?
A) Depending on your sex, age and height, there are recommended values for ideal body fat. Visit our Body Fat Analysis page to see tables of suggested values.

Q) When should I measure my body fat?
A) For highest accuracy, you should avoid meals or exercise 4 hours before measuring (i.e. - in the morning after first waking up). Bio-impedance is affected by your hydration level, or water content, which can vary during the day. If you want to track changes in your body fat, measure at the same time and under the same conditions each day or week.

Q) What does the graph in the SlimStep LCD display mean?
A) After measuring body fat percentage, the SlimStep classifies your body type based on the results. There are nine categories, ranging from "Thin & Lean" to "High Fat & Weight" which help you find your particular weight and fat ratio.

Q) Can other people use my SlimStep to measure their body fat?
A) Yes, anyone can measure their body fat. Before making a measurement, SlimStep asks you to enter your body profile data since it uses this information to compute body fat percentage.

Q) Should I turn off my SlimStep to conserve batteries?
A) If you're using the Activity Monitor or have selected a weight loss Plan, leave SlimStep ON while clipped to your waist. If not used for an extended period, you may turn it off (press and HOLD the POWER key).

Q) How does the activity monitor work?
A) When the SlimStep is clipped to your waist or belt, it detects the motion of steps or body movements you make. This activity is counted and displayed on the LCD.

Q) Does SlimStep work like a pedometer?
A) Unlike a pedometer, SlimStep's activity sensor detects motion in two directions so it can monitor general body movements. Therefore, it will not necessarily indicate the exact steps taken or distance traveled while walking. Since it detects a greater range of motion, it can better estimate actual calories burned during typical daily activity.

Q) How does the SlimStep track my activity level?
A) When walking, running or exercising, the activity you make can be converted into calories burned. SlimStep calculates calories and the approximate equivalent distance walked from your activity using your body profile data (age, height and weight).

Q) Why does SlimStep show daily and total calories, distance, and activity?
A) If you are over your ideal weight, SlimStep calculates the total number of calories you need to lose to reach your goal. It then keeps track of your activity level to indicate how much further you need to go.

Q) Can I manually reset the progress totals?
A) Daily progress details (calories, steps, and miles) are automatically reset to zero at the start of each day. However, if you wish to manually reset them to zero, press and HOLD both SELECT keys together. (Your total progress details, if you have selected a 30, 60, or 90 day course, remain unchanged.)

Q) After measuring my Body Fat%, how do I choose a weight loss plan?
A) If your weight or Body Fat% is above ideal for your profile, SlimStep will display recommended pounds and fat% you need to lose. It will then offer 30, 60, or 90 day "courses" by computing the excess calories you must burn in each plan.

Q) Why does SlimStep just display "HIGH" and offer no course selection in some cases ?
A) When your ideal weight goal cannot be safely met in 90 days or less, SlimStep cannot create a calorie-burning plan and will skip Course selection. You'll need to embark on a longer term supervised weight-loss program.

Q) What if I follow the Course plan but don't lose weight?
A) If your calorie intake exceeds the typical Daily Calorie usage (BMR) for your profile, you may not burn enough daily calories to meet your goal. You must eat a proper diet and not exceed your recommended calorie intake.

Q) How big is the SlimStep?
A) With the integrated belt clip, SlimStep dimensions are 3.5" wide, 2.1" tall, and 3/4" thick. It weighs only 1.8 ounces.