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Somatotype profiles of male candidates as models for the BSS. In somatocharts, mesomorphy is represented by the vertical axis pointing upward; endomorphy by the horizontal axis pointing to the left; and ectomorphy by the horizontal axis pointing to the right. The red squares represent Cameroonian males and the purple ones Senegalese males. The red circle indicates the mean profile for Cameroonians and the purple one the mean profile for Senegalese.
Source publication
Background
The social valorisation of overweight in African populations could promote high-risk eating behaviours and therefore become a risk factor of obesity. However, existing scales to assess body image are usually not accurate enough to allow comparative studies of body weight perception in different African populations. This study aimed to de...
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Background:
Dietary intervention studies in animal models of obesity are crucial to elucidate the mechanistic effects of specific nutrients and diets. Although several models of diet induced obesity have been examined in rodents to assess obesity, there are few studies that have researched influence of different high fat and/or westernized diets....
Citations
... Posttask measurements. Inspired by prior work (Cohen et al. 2015;Lombardo et al. 2014), participants assessed the conversational agent's physicality using a 14-point slider scale with visual representations of the perceived height and weight and the conversational agent's perceived masculinity as a continuum (more feminine to more masculine) using a seven-point Likert scale (see Web Appendix A). ...
Can AI-generated voices be designed to improve product and brand perceptions? Akin to human voices that evoke mental images in a listener even without visual cues, artificially generated voices can be intentionally designed to elicit envisioned mental representations. Drawing from prior work on sound symbolism and computational advances in speech synthesis, the authors explore how the voice of an AI-powered conversational agent (e.g., a voice assistant such as Amazon Alexa) impacts consumer perceptions and choice. Specifically, the authors examine how altering a conversational agent's digital vocal tract length (i.e., timbre) shapes consumers’ physical ascriptions of the agent and subsequent voice–product congruency evaluations. Four experiments, including a large-scale field experiment, demonstrate that increasing (decreasing) the vocal tract length promotes congruency attributions toward stereotypically masculine (feminine) products and improves advertising performance (higher click-through rates and lower costs per click). This article represents a critical first step in deepening understanding on how artificially generated voices shape the consumer experience, demonstrating how firms could enhance product congruency perceptions and advertising performance by leveraging a more theory-driven approach to voice marketing.
... As shown in Table 2 the BMI classification), other country-specific cut-offs should be adopted in order to take ethnic variations and major differences in morphology into account. 47 In Asia for instance, a growing number of studies use country-specific cut-offs to classify individuals affected by overweight and obesity. In contrast, most of the studies focusing on SSA use the WHO-based universal BMI cut-offs, even though these cut-offs were initially defined from and for Caucasian populations. ...
Globally, the literature tends to emphasize negative associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and bodyweight in countries improving their economic development. However, little is known about the social distribution of obesity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where economic growth has been highly heterogeneous the last decades. This paper reviews an exhaustive set of recent empirical studies examining its association in low-income and lower-middle-income countries in SSA. Although there is evidence of a positive association between SES and obesity in low-income countries, we found mixed associations in lower-middle-income countries, potentially providing evidence of a social reversal of the obesity burden.
... To accurately assess body weight perceptions, we used the validated Body Size Scale (BSS) developed by our research team [26]. The BSS was treated as a metric value. ...
In the context of rapid nutritional transitions in Africa, few studies have analyzed the etiology of obesity by considering the driver pathways that predict body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study is to innovatively identify these driver pathways, including the main sociodemographic and socioecological drivers of BMI. We conducted a rural–urban quantitative study in Cameroon (n = 1106; balanced sex ratio) to explore this issue. We recruited participants and reported several sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., marital status, socioeconomic status (SES), and ethnicity). We then assessed three main socioecological drivers of BMI (body weight perception, dietary intake, and physical activity) and conducted bioanthropometric measurements. We identified several driver pathways predicting BMI. In Cameroon, Bamiléké ethnicity, higher SES, being married, and older age had positive effects on BMI through overweight valorization and/or dietary intake. Accordingly, we found that being Bamiléké, married, and middle-aged, as well as having a higher SES, were factors that constituted at-risk subgroups overexposed to drivers of obesity. As such, this study highlights the necessity of investigating the complex driver pathways that lead to obesity. Therefore, better identification of the subgroups at risk for obesity will help in developing more targeted population health policies in countries where this burden is a major public health issue.
... Anthropometric data and full colour images were gathered from 161 (79 female) Cameroonians and Senegalese participants. Participants were selected who were of reproductive age, but not pregnant, and were chosen from two ancestory groups based on differing macroscopic phenotypes based on environment, and differing genotypes [20]. ...
... In many machine learning applications, outliers are removed [21] or replaced [22] to produce better predictive results. This is not done in the current study for three reasons: first, outliers in this case are valid in the domain (in fact, one can argue it is more valuable to detect a high or low BMI clinically than one falling into the statistically ''normal'' range); second, there are not many images available; and third, great care was taken in validating the source data collected [20]. For these reasons, data are not manipulated or pre-processed to improve predictive performance, apart from standardisation with the extremes intact. ...
Obesity is an important concern in public health, and Body Mass Index is one of the useful, common and convenient measures. However, Body Mass Index requires access to accurate scales and a stadiometer for measurements, and could be made more convenient through analysis of photographs. It could be applied to photographs comprising more than one individual, leading to population screening. We use Convolutional Neural Networks to determine Body Mass Index from photographs in a study with 161 participants. The relatively low number of participants in the data, a common problem in medicine, is addressed by reducing the information in the photographs by generating silhouette images. We successfully determine Body Mass Index for unseen test data with high correlation between prediction and actual values, with correlation measurements of greater than 0.93 and a mean absolute error of 1.20.
... Daughters may be more restricted than sons because of additional family obligations [16,45] and also by religious practices in some communities. Other studies alert for the social valorization of the overweight in African populations [46]. In particular, for women, this may promote unhealthy eating behaviors. ...
In Portugal, the majority of immigrants come from Portuguese-speaking countries. Among children, overweight and obesity are serious public health concerns, but a few studies include children with immigrant background. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and risk of abdominal obesity in school-age children and to explore potential determinants, considering the origin of the children’s parents (both mother and father are non-Portuguese, only one Portuguese, and both are Portuguese). A cross-sectional study included a random sample of 789 children (5–11 years old, 49.2% of males and 50.8% female) attending public primary schools in Barreiro, district of Setubal, Portugal. Fieldwork occurred from 20th April to 3rd July 2009. Data concerning socioeconomic, eating habits, and sports outside school were obtained through a questionnaire applied to the children’s person in charge. Anthropometric measures were collected by certified technicians. One-third of the children presented overweight and obesity (33.7%, 95% CI [30.0; 37.7]) and risk of abdominal obesity (16.4%, 95% CI [13.6; 19.7]) without differences according to parents’ origin. Children with immigrant background presented higher consumption of low-priced, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, with a worse situation for girls. Females from both non-Portuguese parents also practiced less sports outside school than those where one or two parents are Portuguese. Thus, promoting and monitoring a healthy diet and physical activity in this group should be prioritized in this local setting.
... To overcome these limitations in African populations, two photographic scales based on real African phenotypes were created: the Body Size Scale (BSS) and the Body Image Scale (BIS) [27,28]. Although these scales were developed to cover the variability of adiposity in African populations, they only express a continuum in body weight variation. ...
... Using the maximum resolution of the camera (4272 × 2848 pixels), the front and the left side of participants were photographed. More technical details concerning the use of the camera and the position of participants are available in the development and validation of the BSS [27]. The mediolateral and the anteroposterior body axes were of particular interest to depict the variation in body shape. ...
... Using the Somatotype 1.0 software package (MER Goulding Software Development, Geeveston, Australia), the somatotype of each participant was assessed from the calculation of its ternary component (musculature, slimness and fatness indexes) based on ten of the anthropometric measures described above [37], and stated in the BSS development protocol [27]. The somatocharts showing the somatotype distribution in our sample were also generated using this software. ...
Background
As a consequence of ‘Western’ acculturation, eating disorders and body image disturbances, such as fatness phobia and body dysmorphic disorders towards musculature and body shape, are emerging in Africa, with young people the most affected. It is therefore important to accurately assess perceptions of body shape. However, the existing body image assessment scales lack sufficient accuracy and validity testing to compare body shape perception across different African populations. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Body Shape Scale (BOSHAS) to evaluate body shape perceptions related body image disorders in African populations.
Methods
To develop the BOSHAS, anthropometric measures of 80 Cameroonians and 81 Senegalese (both sexes included; 40.1% females overall) were taken for three body shape criteria: somatotype components, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio. Subjects were selected to cover a wide variability in body shape and were photographed in full face and profile positions. To validate the BOSHAS, the scale was administered twice (2 weeks apart) to 106 participants (aged 31.2 ± 12.6 years) to assess its reliability. In addition, a questionnaire measuring different aspects of body shape (e.g. musculature) was also administered ( n = 597; aged 36.7 ± 15.6 years) to assess its convergent validity.
Results
The BOSHAS includes two sex-specific subscales of 10 photographs each. Most participants were able to repeat their BOSHAS preference order. Test-retest reliability was also consistent in estimating Current Body Shape (CBS), Desired Body Shape and Ideal Body Shape for participants and their partners. CBS was correlated with BMI, and different BOSHAS indices were consistent with declarations obtained by questionnaire.
Conclusions
The BOSHAS is the first sex-specific scale of real African models photographed in face and profile, including large body shape variability. The validation protocol showed good validity and reliability for evaluating body shape perceptions and dissatisfaction of Africans.
... The side view is rarely if ever seen and therefore is most demanding on the viewer's ability to visualize this view using only their internal representation. It may therefore be the best view with which to measure the size of this representation (Cohen et al., 2015a) and the one most able to reveal true distortions. We confirmed that, in this view, women are more likely than men to see themselves as fatter (Fallon and Rozin, 1985), but why might this be the case? ...
Perceived body size is a fundamental construct that reflects our knowledge of self and is important for all aspects of perception, yet how we perceive our bodies and how the body is represented in the brain is not yet fully understood. In order to understand how the brain perceives and represents the body, we need an objective method that is not vulnerable to affective or cognitive influences. Here, we achieve this by assessing the accuracy of full-body size perception using a novel psychophysical method that taps into the implicit body representation for determining perceived size. Participants were tested with life-size images of their body as seen from different viewpoints with the expectation that greater distortions would occur for unfamiliar views. The Body Shape Questionnaire was also administered. Using a two-alternative forced choice design, participants were sequentially shown two life-size images of their whole body dressed in a standardized tight-fitting outfit seen from the front, side, or back. In one image, the aspect ratio (with the horizontal or vertical dimension fixed) was varied using an adaptive staircase, while the other was undistorted. Participants reported which image most closely matched their own body size. The staircase honed in on the distorted image that was equally likely as the undistorted photo to be judged as matching their perception of themselves. From this, the perceived size of their internal body representation could be calculated. Underestimation of body width was found when the body was viewed from the front or back in both sexes. However, females, but not males, overestimated their width when the body was viewed from the side. Height was perceived accurately in all views. These findings reveal distortions in perceived size for healthy populations and show that both viewpoint and sex matter for the implicit body representation. Though the back view of one’s body is rarely–if ever–seen, perceptual distortions were the same as for the front view. This provides insight into how the brain might construct its representation of three-dimensional body shape.
... Figure rating scales (FRS) depicting body size have been used to assess body size perceptions. 13,17,18 Its usefulness as an inexpensive indicator of nutritional status, when direct anthropometric measurements are not possible, have been observed. Harris et al. (2008), who developed the FRS used in this study (Figure 1), found a strong positive correlation between measured current BMI and selecting an FRS image with a BMI corresponding to their usual BMI, in 400 American adults (r 2 = 0.94 for men and 0.86 for women; p < 0.001). ...
... 17 Two studies focused on the use of FRS developed or adapted for African populations. Cohen (2015) developed FRS for the Cameroonian population and included both front and sideview profiles of the body scales, which may provide superior representation of abdominal obesity ( Figure 2). A total of 161 participants were included in this study and acceptably strong correlations (r 2 = 0.72 for males and 0.59 for females; p < 0.001) between self-perceived current body size and BMI were found. ...
... A total of 161 participants were included in this study and acceptably strong correlations (r 2 = 0.72 for males and 0.59 for females; p < 0.001) between self-perceived current body size and BMI were found. 18 Yepes et al. (2015) assessed the validity of the Pulvers silhouettes, 19 as a simple self-reported survey measure for body size, adapted to reflect African populations' distinct morphology. ...
Objectives: Many existing malnutrition screening and diagnostic tools require body mass index (BMI) and quantification of weight change to detect malnutrition or risk thereof. This is often a challenge in South African public hospitals due to missing data, including patient records. This study investigated the extent to which hospitalised patients can gauge their current and usual body size from a validated BMI-based figure rating scale (FRS). It also ascertained whether a relationship exists between a change in clothing size and a change in perceived BMI, derived from the FRS.
Methods: A total of 196 adult patients participated in a cross-sectional study, in three Eastern Cape public hospitals. Data were collected by consulting medical files, patients and taking anthropometric measurements. Validated FRSs were used to determine patients’ accuracy of actual and usual BMI. Data were analysed with Statistica® and Microsoft Excel 2016.
Results: Some 66% (n = 131) of participants were accurate in selecting an image representative of their BMI, which was statistically significant (r² = 0.80; p < 0.001). Female participants were more likely to select the correct corresponding BMI image (p < 0.05; r² = 0.77 for males; r² = 0.82 for females). Altogether, 61% (n = 79) of participants with a known previous weight were accurate in selecting an accurate image representative of their usual BMI, also statistically significantly (r² = 0.71; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: An existing FRS may be a useful adjunctive aid in clinical practice to estimate certain anthropometric indices when not otherwise available. This may be especially relevant to nutritional screening practices conducted by frontline healthcare professionals, e.g. nurses and doctors not specifically trained in anthropometry. This in turn may improve malnutrition detection rates and facilitation of appropriate nutrition care pathways.
... Comparison of somatotypes revealed different body types in athletes compared to non-athletes, [22][23][24][25][26], especially in terms of the contribution of endomorphy and mesomorphy. Studies in the social sciences have additional highlighted a number of somatotypes in populations with some dependency on social status, [27] and ethnic, cultural and geographical factors, [28][29][30]. This method to estimate individual somatotype of patients has also been used to identify predictors of illness, [31][32][33][34][35][36]. ...
Objectives:
The study aim was to determine if a difference exists in skinfold thickness measured by two interchangeable approaches; (1) supraspinale skinfold recommended in the Heath-Carter method and (2) iliac crest skinfold measurement. The question arises as to whether each approach has a similar or different effect on endomorphy determination, and whether there is a possibility to estimate the supraspinale skinfold based on other skinfold measurements.
Methods:
A group of 186 male and 161 female students participated in this study. Anthropometric examination included all somatic measurements, as recommended in the Heath-Carter protocol, and the iliac crest skinfold measurement. Estimation of the supraspinale skinfold was performed based on the multiple linear regression procedure.
Results:
Skinfold thickness measured in the supraspinale and iliac crest differed (p<0.001) in both men (5.41±1.65 mm and 9.55±4.05 mm, respectively) and women (8.87±4.08 mm and 15.20±6.85 mm), respectively. Endomorphy was significantly higher (0.46 in men, 0.63 in women) when the iliac crest skinfold was used. Subscapular skinfold and iliac crest skinfolds were included in the linear regression model for supraspinale skinfold estimation (R2 = 0.724, SE = 0.9 mm and R2 = 0.947, SE = 2.3 mm for men and women, respectively).
Conclusion:
Two common skinfold approaches produced different measurements between the supraspinale and iliac crest skinfolds, which subsequently affected estimated endomorphy. Regression equations for supraspinale skinfold enabled correction of endomorphy in the case of improperly applied measurement (i.e. iliac crest) and thus, could allow for uniform somatotype estimation according to Carter and Heath approach.
... Anthropometric data and full colour images were gathered from 161 (79 female) Cameroonians and Senegalese participants [5]. ...
