The relationship between body size and body composition in women of different nutritional status

Abstract

AbstractThis study analysed the relationship between weight, size, and body composition in various groups of real and fantasy women. By exploiting natural relationships between the weight and volume of human tissues, comparable data on weight, size, and body composition were obtained for healthy women from western and developing country populations, women with anorexia nervosa (AN), and fantasy figures including popular children's dolls. Women from western and developing country populations have different fatness and size despite having similar weight relative to height. Women with AN have significantly lower fat and lean mass, and thinner size, than healthy women. Fantasy figures have body sizes similar to women with AN, implying similar body composition. In particular, children's dolls have body sizes similar to AN women at the time of death, although these effects are disguised by manipulation of body shape. Our study improves understanding of the body composition implied by manipulation of female shape and size. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.