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

This study analyzes the body characteristics of Korean obese women using 2004 Size Korea data. For selecting the obesity sample, 7 obesity judgment indices were chosen from previous clothing-related studies. A total of 636 females defined as "obese" by 5 out of 7 indices were selected as subjects for this study. 54 body measurements and obesity judgment indices were used. First, the subjects had a BMI 27.11, R$\ddot{o}$hrer index 1.76, Vervaeck index 104.77, Relative weight 133.00, and WHR 0.90. In the case of the distribution by age groups, the twenties were 6.4% of the entire subjects, the thirties were 18.2%, the forties were 16.4%, the fifties were 37.4%, and the sixties were 21.5%. The result of the ANOVAs (divided into 5 age groups) showed significant differences in 41 measurement items except for bust circumference, waist length front, and all of obesity judgment indices. Second, according to the ANOVAs among stature groups divided by 5cm pitches there are significant differences in all measurements except for bust circumference. The results of the ANOVAs among bust circumference groups divided by 5cm pitches show that significant differences were observed in all measurements except four measurement items (including body rise). According to the ANOVAs among the waist circumference groups divided by 5cm pitches, there are no significant differences in all height measurements and shoulder length, waist to hip length, and crotch length. It is confirmed that stature and bust circumference have a deep relationship with measurements other than waist circumference. Third, as the factor analysis were conducted using 39 measurement items to extract the body characteristics of obese women Factor 1 is "circumference measurements & obesity judgment indices," Factor 2 is "heights & arm-related lengths," and Factor 3 is "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 widths in upper body." These 8 factors explained 76.54% of the total variance.