BMI compared with 3-dimensional body shape: the UK National Sizing Survey

Abstract

Background: Human body shape is a rich source of information about health and the risk of disease. Measuring anthropometry manually is time-consuming, however, and only a few indexes of shape (eg, body girths and their ratios) are used regularly in clinical practice or epidemiology, both of which still rely primarily on body mass index (BMI). Three-dimensional (3-D) body scanning provides high-quality digital information about shape. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the relation of shape and BMI and to examine associations between age, sex, and shape. Design: In a cross-sectional study of 9617 adults (45% male) aged 16 -91 y who were participating in the UK National Sizing Survey, body girths and their ratios were obtained with the use of a 3-D body scan. Data on weight and height were also obtained. Results: BMI was significantly associated with chest and waist in men and with hips and bust in women. In early adulthood, the sexes differed significantly in shape; however, these differences declined with age. Whereas male shape remained highly stable through adulthood, upper body girths, particularly waist, increased in women, but thigh decreased. After adjustment for other girths, waist was significantly and inversely associated with height, particularly in men. Waist varied widely in both sexes for a given BMI value. Conclusions: Relations between BMI and shape differed significantly between the sexes, particularly in association with age. The inverse association between height and waist in men suggests either a genetic contribution or a link between early growth pattern and predisposition to obesity. The 3-D scans offer a novel approach for epidemiologic research into associations between body shape and health risks and outcomes.Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85:419 -25.

Thrift: a guide to thrifty genes, thrifty phenotypes and thrifty norms

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Whole-body three-dimensional photonic scanning: a new technique for obesity research and clinical practice

“…Rapid advances in photonic technology 28,29 accompanied by similar progress in computerized modelling 30,31 34,35 Such apparatus captures highly accurate and detailed information in the form of raw point cloud data, and then uses computerized algorithms to reconstruct surface topography. The technology is revolutionizing the categorization of clothing sizes, and the preparation of made-to-measure garments using robotic technology.…”

“…34,35 Although similar studies have yet to be undertaken in younger age groups, it is unlikely that children and adolescents will experience problems with the technique. Pilot studies suggest nearcomplete acceptability in all age groups, provided that the child is capable of standing still for the scan period.…”

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“…34 Analyses of SizeUSA and SizeUK have further indicated significant trends between body shape and socioeconomic status and ethnicity. 35 These trends in shape show consistency with similar population distributions of cardiovascular risk.…”