Body Shape Model Research Articles

Internalization of aesthetic ideals and body concern in males and females gym users

This study explored the internalization of thinness aesthetic body model, and the muscularity and thinness concern, in four groups: two of men and two of women (gym and non-gym users). Specifically, it was explored the presence of symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in four groups, the muscularity -and body shape concern and internalization of thin ideals in the four groups were compared, and the relationship between variables for each group was analyzed. The sample included 467 men and women (169 gym users and 299 non-gym users) from 13 to 53 years-old, who completed three measures: The Influence of the Body Shape Model Questionnaire, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Drive for Muscularity Scale. The presence of symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in males gym users was 15% and lower than 3% in women gym users, as well as in -males and females non-gym users. The women gym users scored higher in the Body Shape Questionnaire compared to the men, and a positive and significant association was observed between the internalization of the body ideals, the thinness concern, and drive for muscularity. The relationship between Body Shape Questionnaire and Drive for Muscularity Scale can be interpreted as the desire in both groups of men and in the gym-users women to have both, muscularity and leanness in body; both ways lead to the practice of unhealthy eating behaviors.

Body dissatisfaction and socio-cultural factors in women with and without BED: their relation with eating psychopathology.

The goal of the present study was to assess the role of body dissatisfaction and socio-cultural factors on eating psychopathology in women with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and women without BED. Seventy obese women consecutively evaluated participated: 35 with BED and 35 without BED who attended for the first time in a weight loss program. All participants completed a battery of questionnaires, including: Body Shape Questionnaire, Questionnaire of Influences on the Aesthetic Body Shape Model, Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns, Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, and they were interviewed with the Interview for the Diagnosis of Eating Disorder-IV. The Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Hip Ratio and Body Fat were calculated. The results showed that 21% of obese women who participated in a weight reduction program met BED criteria. The scores of body dissatisfaction, influences of socio-cultural factors and eating psychopathology were higher in women with BED compared with women without BED. In the same way, significantly stronger correlations were found among influences of socio-cultural factors, specifically, influence of advertisement, social relations and eating psychopathology in women with BED than women without BED. It is concluded that the high body dissatisfaction as well as stronger associations among influence of socio-cultural factors and eating psychopathology could play an important role in women with BED.

Variables predictoras de riesgo de trastorno del comportamiento alimentario en mujeres

The purpose of this research was to examine the role of body composition, body dissatisfaction, and thinness model on the risk of developing eating disorders (ED). The sample comprised 289 female students who answered the Eating Attitudes Test, the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh, and the Questionnaire on Influences on Body Shape Model. The body composition was assessed by electrical impedance. The results showed that the risk for having an ED was found in 9.69% of women, and the percentage was high among normal weight women, especially women who had excessive body fat. The body dissatisfaction predicted the risk for anorexia nervosa, and the interaction between body dissatisfaction, influence of advertisement and body mass index predicted the risk for bulimia nervosa. These findings suggest that the role of body dissatisfaction was relevant to predict the risk for ED.

Development of a Methodology for Simulating Seat Back Interaction Using Realistic Body Contours

Seat comfort is driven in part by the fit between the sitter and seat. Traditional anthropometric data provide little information about the size and shape of the torso that can be used for backrest design. This study introduces a methodology for using three-dimensional computer models of the human torso based on a statistical analysis of body shapes for conducting automated fit assessments. Surface scan data from 296 men and 417 women in a seated posture were analyzed to create a body shape model that can be adjusted to a range of statures, body shape, and postures spanning those typical of vehicle occupants. Finite-element models of two auto seat surface were created, along with custom software that generates body models and postures them in the seat. A simple simulation technique was developed to rapidly assess the fit of the torso relative to the seat back. The methodology developed in this study will enable automated virtual fitting trails considering a wide range of body sizes and shapes, allowing statistical evaluations of seat fit within a specific sitter population. Further refinement of the method will allow prediction of seat pressure distribution, which may be usefully related to subjective assessment of seat fit.

Evaluation of risk factors for eating disorders in students of nutrition

The media, the social environment and personal factors play an important role as risk factors for eating disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between sociocultural influences body shape model with cognitions that are characteristic of eating disorders in undergraduate nutrition. Participated 112 students (88 women and 24 men) undergraduate students in nutrition. 15.9% of women and 20.8% of the men had body dissatisfaction. Men showed significantly greater pathological distress advertising influence and perfectionism than women. Both men and women shows a significant correlation between the internalization of a thin body and body dissatisfaction. Almost half of the participants (48%) had an internalization body thin model. Significant correlations were found between the internalization of a thin aesthetic model and body dissatisfaction, which indicates that this dissatisfaction is mediated by those standards from the media.

Anthropometric Data Analysis for Body Shape Modeling in Korean

This paper deals with secular trend of height spanning 1979 to 2010 and also morphological growth patterns for Korean. It also investigates the comparison of the growth pattern between male and female based on the anthropometric data samples of KATS taken from the 1979 to 2010 surveys. The great rates of change in height occurred during 1979-1997 with 2-3 cm increase in both sexes at each surveys. After 1997 the change rate of height while increasing is remained within less than 1 cm till 2010 survey. This pattern is consistent with recent Korean cultural emphasis on health and physical fitness according to the economic development. The causes of the observed trends, insofar as they have been identified, are related to cultural processes.

Estimating spine shape in lateral sleep positions using silhouette-derived body shape models

This study aims at evaluating spinal alignment during sleep by combining personalized human models with mattress indentation measurements. A generic surface model has been developed that can be personalized based on anthropometric parameters derived from silhouette extraction. Shape assessment of the personalized surface models, performed by comparison with 3-D surface scans of the trunk, showed a mean unsigned distance of 9.77 mm between modeled and scanned surface meshes. The surface model is combined with an inner skeleton model, allowing the model to simulate distinct sleep postures. An automatic fitting algorithm sets the appropriate degrees of freedom to position the model on the measured indentation according to the adopted sleep posture. Validation on lateral sleep positions showed good intraclass correlations (0.73–0.88) between estimated and measured angular spinal deformations, indicating that silhouette-derived body shape models provide a valuable tool for the unobtrusive assessment of spinal alignment during sleep.Relevance to industry: A common drawback of the available techniques to assess spinal deformation on bedding systems is that they interfere with the actual sleep process. The current study presents a novel method based on silhouette-derived body shape models in order to estimate spine shape during sleep unobtrusively.

Psychometric Properties of the Questionnaire of Sociocultural Influences on the Aesthetic Body Shape Model (CIMEC‐26) in Female Spanish Adolescents

The purpose of the present study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the 'Questionnaire of Sociocultural Influences on the Aesthetic Body Shape Model' (CIMEC-26) in a Spanish adolescent population. This questionnaire measures the influence of agents and situations that transmit the current aesthetic model, and assesses environmental influences favouring thinness. The CIMEC-26 was administered to a sample of 4031 female primary and secondary school students ranging in age from 10 to 17 years (M = 14, SD = 1.34). Results suggested that the CIMEC-26 has acceptable internal consistency (α = .93). The oldest group (15-17 years) had the highest scores on all factors and the highest total scores, suggesting greater influence of the aesthetic body shape model and higher vulnerability to social pressure to achieve it. Factor analysis suggested three moderately interrelated components of the scale. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that both the three-factor solution and the original five-factor structure had good fit indices, although the latter showed the best fit. The CIMEC-26 proved to be an effective instrument for research on the social influence on the aesthetic body model in female adolescents.

3D Human model adaptation by frame selection and shape–texture optimization

We present a novel approach for 3D human body shape model adaptation to a sequence of multi-view images, given an initial shape model and initial pose sequence. In a first step, the most informative frames are determined by optimization of an objective function that maximizes a shape–texture likelihood function and a pose diversity criterion (i.e. the model surface area that lies close to the occluding contours), in the selected frames. Thereafter, a batch-mode optimization is performed of the underlying shape- and pose-parameters, by means of an objective function that includes both contour and texture cues over the selected multi-view frames. Using above approach, we implement automatic pose and shape estimation using a three-step procedure: first, we recover initial poses over a sequence using an initial (generic) body model. Both model and poses then serve as input to the above mentioned adaptation process. Finally, a more accurate pose recovery is obtained by means of the adapted model. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our frame selection, model adaptation and integrated pose and shape recovery procedure in experiments using both challenging outdoor data and the HumanEva data set.

Spanish Version of the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) for Adolescents

The need to study the positive aspects of body image led to the design of the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS). The aim of the present study was to develop a Spanish adaptation of the BAS for adolescents, testing its factor structure, construct validity and any differences between girls and boys. Participants were 312 adolescents aged between 12 and 20; there were 148 females and 164 males. The validation analysis of the BAS revealed a one-factor structure with adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .908) and construct validity (correlations with body mass index, influence of the body shape model, perceived stress, coping strategies, self-esteem and variables from the Eating Disorders Inventory-2), as well as significant differences between boys and girls (p < .01). The BAS is suitable for administration in a Spanish adolescent population as a way of analysing the positive aspects of body image.

Body shape model, physical activity and eating behaviour.

Research on the influence of body shape model on adolescent males is scarce. The current study aimed to assess this influence among adult males involved in intense physical activity and to determine its relationship to eating behaviour. Possible variations between 1998 and 2008 were also analysed. A total of 950 males (672 in 1998 and 278 in 2008), all aspiring professional soldiers, were studied using the Questionnaire of Influences on Body Shape Model (CIMEC-V) and the Eating Attitudes Test-40 (EAT-40), as well as by assessing their physical/sporting activity and body mass index (BMI). Scores on the CIMEC-V were significantly correlated with the EAT-40 and BMI. As regards physical activity the only positive correlation referred to gym-based exercise. A cluster analysis revealed two subgroups with respect to physical activity, BMI, and scores on the CIMEC-V and EAT-40. One of them scored higher on these three variables and they also had a BMI > 25. The comparative study of data from 1998 and 2008 showed significant changes in some variables. Generally, the results differ considerably from those reported for younger samples (which would suggest a lower risk of disordered eating behaviour). However, there is a higher risk group in which the influence of body shape models, physical activity and eating behaviour are related to greater body volume. The influence of the body shape model on males has increased, especially as regards the influence of friends and in terms of behaviours aimed at weight loss.

Parametric human body shape modeling framework for human-centered product design

The objective of this study is the development of a novel parametric human body shape modeling framework for integration into various product design applications. Our modeling framework is comprised of three phases of database construction, statistical analysis, and model generation. During the database construction phase, a 3D whole body scan data of 250 subjects are obtained, and their data structures are processed so as to be suitable for statistical analysis. Using those preprocessed scan data, the characteristics of the human body shape variation and their correlations with several items of body sizes are investigated in the statistical analysis phase. The correlations obtained from such analysis allow us to develop an interactive modeling interface, which takes the body sizes as inputs and returns a corresponding body shape model as an output. Using this interface, we develop a parametric human body shape modeling system and generate body shape models based on the input body sizes. In our experiment, our modeler produced reasonable results having not only a high level of accuracy but also fine visual fidelity. Compared to other parametric human modeling approaches, our method contributes to the related field by introducing a novel method for correlating body shape and body sizes and by establishing an improved parameter optimization technique for the model generation process.

Versión Española de la escala de creencias irracionales sobre los alimentos

SUMMARY Objective: The aim of the study was to develop a Spanish adaptation of the Irrational Food Beliefs Scale (IFBS). This is important due not only to the scarcity and limitations of existing instruments in Spanish, but also to the potential of the IFBS in terms of studying the difficulties some people face in achieving healthy weight control. Methods: Subjects were 323 secondary-level and high-school students (12-20 years; 152 females, 171 males). In addition to the IFBS, we determined the body mass index and analysed the following variables: influence of the aesthetic body shape model, perceived stress, coping strategies, self-esteem and variables from the Eating Disorders Inventory-2. Results: The factor analysis yielded two factors corresponding to irrational and rational beliefs about food. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient) of the IFBS as a whole and of the irrational and rational sub-scales was 0.863, 0.881 and 0.779, respectively. The analysis of correlations with the abovementioned variables showed an adequate construct validity. Discussion: The Spanish version of the IFBS fulfils the psychometric requirements for a measure of irrational/rational food beliefs and shows adequate internal consistency and construct validity.

Traditional and new strategies in the primary prevention of eating disorders: a comparative study in Spanish adolescents.

BackgroundResearch conducted to date into the primary prevention of eating disorders (ED) has mainly considered the provision of information regarding risk factors. Consequently, there is a need to develop new methods that go a step further, promoting a change in attitudes and behavior in the target population.ObjectiveThis study describes an adaptation of the Girls’ Group model to the Spanish context, the main objective being to compare two types of intervention, ie, one based on this model and the other following the traditional approach of providing information. The ultimate aim was to implement a prevention program that reduces the risk factors and boosts the protection factors that have been empirically shown to be related to ED.MethodsOn the basis of previous research on the primary prevention of ED, and taking into account recognized risk and protective factors, the following topics were addressed: nutritional aspects; self-esteem; coping strategies; the ideal image of what is attractive and role of the media; and body image. The total sample (174 girls and 197 boys) was divided into 12 work groups, six for the intervention group (one school) and six for the control group (two schools). School-based input (intervention group) was provided by a pharmacist, a psychologist, a qualified nutritionist/dietician, and specialist support staff (psychologists and/or educators) and teachers of the three schools.ResultsParticipation in the intervention group reduced body dissatisfaction (F = 13.41; P < 0.01), the drive to thinness (F = 10.79; P < 0.01), and the influence of the media with respect to the esthetic body shape model (F = 13.90; P < 0.01), while self-esteem (F = 7.34; P < 0.01) and the use of coping strategies (F = 13.74; P < 0.01) both improved. There was also an improvement in the eating habits of participants, with better outcomes being achieved when intervening with females.ConclusionsThe present study shows that in the primary prevention of eating disorders, better outcomes are achieved by new models which target the attitudes and behavior of adolescents rather than focusing solely on the provision of risk information to raise awareness.

Disordered eating behaviors and body image in a longitudinal pilot study of adolescent girls: What happens 2 years later?

We assessed the prospective association of risk factors for eating and body image disturbances after a 2-year follow-up in a community sample of Spanish adolescent girls. The participants included 128 Spanish girls aged 12–14, who took part in a 28-month prospective study. Aspects assessed were eating attitudes (Eating Attitudes Test ), influence of the body shape model (questionnaire on influences of the aesthetic body shape model), extreme weight-control behaviors (Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire), body image (Body Image Questionnaire) and Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI, extreme weight-control behaviors and body image problems emerged as potential predictors of an increase in eating disturbances. An increased influence of the thinness model was significantly associated with reduced body satisfaction and body image problems. Preventive programs are needed to contribute reducing the impact of sociocultural influences with regard to thinness, the use of extreme weight-control behaviors and overweight in adolescents.

A Statistical Model of Human Pose and Body Shape

AbstractGeneration and animation of realistic humans is an essential part of many projects in today's media industry. Especially, the games and special effects industry heavily depend on realistic human animation. In this work a unified model that describes both, human pose and body shape is introduced which allows us to accurately model muscle deformations not only as a function of pose but also dependent on the physique of the subject. Coupled with the model's ability to generate arbitrary human body shapes, it severely simplifies the generation of highly realistic character animations. A learning based approach is trained on approximately 550 full body 3D laser scans taken of 114 subjects. Scan registration is performed using a non‐rigid deformation technique. Then, a rotation invariant encoding of the acquired exemplars permits the computation of a statistical model that simultaneously encodes pose and body shape. Finally, morphing or generating meshes according to several constraints simultaneously can be achieved by training semantically meaningful regressors.

Analysis and classification of three-dimensional trunk shape of women by using the human body shape model

This paper proposes a new method for extracting shape components of the trunk of women from three dimensional measurements and tries a classification of the trunk shapes. Subjects in this study are 560 Japanese women, ranging in age from 19 to 63 years. First, the authors describe three-dimensional (3D) trunk shape using the control points given by fitting the human body shape model to 3D measurements of the subjects and reduce the number of the control points to be suited for statistical analysis based on correlation strength. The principal component analysis is applied to the shape data or the reduced set of the control points. Then, the authors interpret trunk shape components by combining factor loading map and averaged shape figures. Finally, the authors try to classify the trunk shape of Japanese women by means of the cluster analysis of component scores of the above results.

Eating disorders in ballet dancing students: Problems and risk factors

To study the prevalence of symptoms of eating disorders and risk eating behaviours and the relationship between life at a dance school and the risk of developing an eating disorder (ED) in an adolescent population of Spanish dance students. Questionnaires were used to assess attitudes to eating, cultural influences on the body shape model, eating disorders (DSM-IV) and risk factors for eating disorders in 76 adolescent dance students (age 12-17 years) at the Barcelona Theatre Institute. Subjects were compared with a community sample of 453 female adolescents. To study the relationship between ED and characteristics of this particular school, an original questionnaire was administered to 105 students at the school aged from 12 to 21 years. The prevalence of eating disorders and several risk attitudes and behaviours were similar in the dance students and the female adolescents from the general population. Students at risk of eating disorders perceived greater pressure from coaches concerning eating, appearance, weight and artistic performance; they felt less satisfied with their weight and weighed themselves more often; they avoided performing so as not to exhibit their body in public, disliked comparing their body with their peers and believed that audiences paid a great deal of attention to their bodies. In contrast, Body Mass Index (BMI) had hardly any influence on these experiences. Depressive symptoms were associated almost exclusively with experience of stressors and aversive situations. Dance school students do not necessarily present a greater risk of ED than other girls of the same age. The risk of ED may be associated with greater pressure from coaches, with attitudes related to the ED itself, or with depressive symptoms, rather than with the BMI.

Dieting in Spanish adolescent girls

This article examines the relation between dieting and non-dieting adolescent girls and body mass index (BMI), eating attitudes and the influence of the aesthetic body shape model. Three hundred forty-nine Spanish adolescent girls in their second year of secondary education were selected. The research design was a cross-sectional ex post facto study and validated measures were used to assess the main variables. Fourteen per cent of the sample was on a diet. Of this group, 69% were overweight, 70% had disordered eating attitudes and 70% were influenced by the current aesthetic body shape model. In all situations, the scores for dieters were significantly higher than those for non-dieters. Although there is not yet any clear consensus with regards to how adolescents interpret the term 'diet', the results indicate major differences between dieters and non-dieters and that those who self-report that they are on a diet present elements of the risk of developing eating and weight disorders.

Eating disorders and body image in Spanish and Mexican female adolescents

To compare the prevalence of eating disorders (ED), socio-cultural risk factors, and body image characteristics in two populations of female adolescents, one Mexican and one Spanish, from similar socio-economic backgrounds. A total of 467 Spanish and 329 Mexican girls aged from 11-12 to 17-18 years were assessed using the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), the CETCA (Eating Disorders Assessment Questionnaire), the CIMEC (Questionnaire on Influences on Body Shape Model), and a survey of socio-demographic and risk factors produced for this study. One out of four subjects showed a significant risk of an eating disorder and 6-7% probably already had one. No significant differences were found between the two samples. Significant differences were found in risk behaviors: more Spanish girls reported body dissatisfaction and binging; more Mexican girls had a history of psychiatric and psychological treatment, pressure from parents and friends to lose weight, dieting, physical activity and vomiting to lose weight, and a history of greater weight loss. In both the groups around 50% of subjects wanted to increase the size of their breasts. However, significantly more Mexican girls desired thinner arms and narrower shoulders and back, and more Spanish girls wanted thinner hips, buttocks, and legs, parts of the body that many Mexicans wanted to increase. Risk behaviors and the ideal body models of these Spanish and Mexican adolescent girls varied significantly, indicating major socio-cultural differences. However, the prevalence of ED was similar. Further research should aim to clarify whether the similarities found between this Spanish sample and a Mexican sample taken from an upper-middle class urban environment, a minority that is unrepresentative of the general population, are also observed in samples from other sectors of Mexican society.