Anthropometric Dimensions of Individuals With High Body Mass Index

• Published in: Human factors Vol. 61; no. 8; pp. 1277 - 1296
• Main Authors: Wiggermann, Neal, Bradtmiller, Bruce, Bunnell, Sue, Hildebrand, Cathy, Archibeque, John, Ebert, Sheila, Reed, Matthew P., Jones, Monica L. H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.12.2019; Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
• Subjects: Adult; Anthropometry; Biomechanics, Anthropometry, Work Physiology; Body Mass Index; Body measurements; Body size; Body weight; Body weight loss; Body Weights and Measures; Cohort Studies; Data collection; Drivers; Female; Humans; Male; Men; Obesity; Occupational safety; Population; Product design; Product safety; Safety engineering; United States; Weight loss measurement; Women; United States; United States > US; accommodation; anthropometry; bariatric; obesity
• ISSN: 0018-7208; 1547-8181; 1547-8181
• DOI: 10.1177/0018720819839809

Objective: This study presents anthropometric data for individuals with high body mass index (BMI). Modified anthropometric dimensions were also developed to address the challenges of obtaining accurate and repeatable data for this population segment. Background: The prevalence of obesity affects approximately 40% of the U.S. adult population. Anthropometric data are needed to guide product design and safety, but few individuals with high BMI have been measured in available datasets. Method: Anthropometric data for a convenience sample of 288 adults with high BMI (≥30 kg/m2) were collected. To increase participation and minimize participant discomfort, measurements were collected at three bariatric weight loss clinics and one academic research institution. Results: The current obese cohort are heavier than the U.S. general population, with a difference in mean body weight of 47 kg for women and 56 kg for men. The obese cohort are also heavier and have a higher BMI compared with the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) truck driver population. Waist circumferential measures of the current obese cohort were larger than women or men in either population compared, a result indicative of meaningful body shape differences. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study is the first to collect anthropometric data for the obese population segment and conduct comparisons to the U.S. general population and available occupational databases. The obese cohort differed substantially with respect to the distributions of anthropometric variables. Application: These data provide insights about the obese population segment that are relevant to product design, and establish a foundation for future data collection efforts.