A Study on the Body Characteristics of Korean Obese Women (Part II)

Abstract

This study classified the body shapes of Korean obese women and investigated the differences of each body shape, using 2004 Size Korea data. For selecting the obesity sample, 7 obesity judgment indices were chosen through previous clothing-related studies. A total of 636 females defined as "obese" by 5 out of 7 indices were selected as subjects and 54 body measurements and obesity judgment indices were used in this study. Firstly, mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values of each measurement and item were obtained from the descriptive analysis of 53 measurements. According to the descriptive analysis, all measurements and obesity judgment indices of the subjects demonstrated a serious obesity level shown by BMI 27.11, R<TEX>$\ddot{o}$</TEX>hrer index 1.76, Vervaeck index 104.77, Relative weight 133.00, WHR 0.90, and waist circumference 86.71cm. In addition, the measurements and indices showed considerable differences between minimum and maximum values. Significant differences were identified in all measurements and items at a significant level, p=.001. Each distribution of body types according to age, stature, bust, and waist circumference groups was provided in this study. Secondly, factor analyses were conducted using 38 measurement items to extract the body characteristics of obese women. Factor 1 was "circumference measurements & obesity judgment indices," Factor 2 was "heights & arm-related lengths," and Factor 3 was "size and ratio of waist circumference & hip circumference." Factor 4 was "lengths in upper body," Factor 5 was "back width in upper body," Factor 6 was "side neck point to bust & bust circumference," Factor 7 was "length in lower body & arm circumferences" and Factor 8 was "neck base circumference & front width in upper body." These 8 factors explained 76.54% of the total variance. Finally, 5 body types were selected in the cluster analysis. Type 1 (with big back widths & arm circumferences) was 15.5% of the entire subjects, Type 2 (the shortest and fattest, with big upper body) was 18.8%, Type 3 (with big breast) was 27.8%, Type 4 (the tallest and longest in arm lengths, with the smallest arm circumferences and lengths in torso) was 22.5%, and Type 5 (with big hips compared to waist circumferences, smaller height and upper body) was 15.5%. Fundamental differences were identified in all measurements and items at the significant level of p=.001. In addition, each distribution of body type according to age, height, bust, and waist circumference groups was provided in this study.