Abstract: A method and a system for estimating visceral fat area (VFA) of a subject uses the product of the Xth power of a height value (Ht) and the Yth power of a fat mass value (FM), through a parameter expressed as FM/Ht2 or Ht2/FM, or by using an equation expressed as VFA=C11*FM/Ht2+C12*Age+C13, where each of X and Y are a number other than zero. The method and the system decrease estimation errors due to height, thereby enabling common use by a number of nations each having a different average height, and decreasing cost of development and manufacturing.

Abstract: Basal metabolism is determined by obtaining an age of a subject; determining fat-free mass of the subject; and calculating the basal metabolism of the subject using the determined fat-free mass and a reciprocal of the age. The basal metabolism can be calculated using the formula represented by BMR=A×FFM+B×(1/age)+C, in which BMR is basal metabolism (kcal/day), FFM is fat-free mass (kg), and A, B, and C are constants.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring basal metabolism includes a device to input individual data, for example an age of a subject; a device to measure bioelectrical impedance of the subject; a device for calculation of fat-free mass on the basis of the individual data and the impedance;, and a device for calculation of basal metabolism of the subject on the basis of a reciprocal of the age and the fat-free mass. The basal metabolism can be calculated using the formula represented by BMR=A×FFM+B×(1/age)+C, in which BMR is basal metabolism (kcal/day), FFM is fat-free mass (kg), and A, B, and C are constants.

Abstract: The body fat percentage for a person is estimated from the BMI of the person by employing a multiple regression analysis using the reciprocal of the BMI (1/BMI) as the independent variable. In other embodiments, potentially independent and easily obtained variables such as age, sex, and ethnicity are also used in conjunction to provide precise estimates of the body fat percentage. Devices for estimating the body fat percentage can be implemented as calculators, smart scales, and Internet web sites.

Abstract: High frequency current application electrodes are brought into contact with both hands, both feet, etc., which are extreme parts of a body in order to apply current to the parts of the body to be measured. Potential difference measuring electrodes are brought into contact with the parts to be measured along the path of the high frequency current. High frequency current application electrodes and potential difference measuring electrodes are selected to select the path of the high frequency current and the path of the potential difference measurement in accordance with the purpose. Impedance on each of the parts of the body is measured and body composition is derived.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring basal metabolism includes a device to input individual data, for example an age of a subject; a device to measure bioelectrical impedance of the subject; a device for calculation of fat-free mass on the basis of the individual data and the impedance; and a device for calculation of basal metabolism of the subject on the basis of a reciprocal of the age and the fat-free mass. The basal metabolism can be calculated using the formula represented by BMR=A×FFM+B×(1/age)+C, in which BMR is basal metabolism (kcal/day), FFM is fat-free mass (kg), and A, B, and C are constants.

Abstract: Ventilator hood systems for metabolic studies involving a study of the gases exhaled by a person uses suction to induce a flow of gases through a special hood construction which is loosely fitted over the head of the person when he is supported on his back and which serves to conduct a mixture of such exhaled gases and induced gases to suitable analyzing equipment without loss or eddying of the exhaled gases.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the value represented by an indication on a graph, chart, map, or the like, having a calibration scale. The measuring device can accommodate any calibration scale over a wide range. The measuring device includes a first member, having a first reference indication on it, and a second member, having a second reference indication on it. The second member is movable with respect to the first member between a closed position, in which the two reference indications are adjacent each other, and an extended position, in which the two reference indications are separated. A first voltage signal, indicative of the separation of the first and second members, is applied to a ratiometric digital voltmeter which also receives as an input a second voltage signal determined by the setting of a manually adjustable control. The ratiometric digital voltmeter provides an output signal that is indicative of the ratio of its two input voltages, and this output is indicated on a digital display unit.