Relating body mass index to figural stimuli: population-based normative data for Caucasians.
OBJECTIVE
To establish body mass index (BMI) norms for standard figural stimuli using a large Caucasian population-based sample. In addition, we sought to determine the effectiveness of the figural stimuli to identify individuals as obese or thin.


METHODS
All Caucasian twins born in Virginia between 1915 and 1971 were identified by public birth record. In addition, 3347 individual twins responded to a letter published in the newsletter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). All adult twins (aged 18 and over) from both of these sources and their family members were mailed a 16 page 'Health and Lifestyle' questionnaire.


METHODS
BMI and silhouette data were available on 16 728 females and 11 366 males ranging in age from 18-100.


METHODS
Self-report information on height-weight, current body size, desired body size and a discrepancy score using standard figural stimuli.


RESULTS
Gender- and age-specific norms are presented linking BMI to each of the figural stimuli. Additional norms for desired body size and discrepancy scores are also presented. Receiver operating curves (ROC) indicate that the figural stimuli are effective in classifying individuals as obese or thin.


CONCLUSIONS
With the establishment of these norms, the silhouettes used in standard body image assessment can now be linked to BMI. Differences were observed between women and men in terms of desired body size and discrepancy scores, with women preferring smaller sizes. The figural stimuli are a robust technique for classifying individuals as obese or thin.
Bulik
C M
CM
Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0126, USA. cbulik@hsc.vcu.edu
Wade
T D
TD
Heath
A C
AC
Martin
N G
NG
Stunkard
A J
AJ
Eaves
L J
LJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000145:classification* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014427:Twins / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*