The Effect of Height on Body Weight Estimation by the Photo in Internet Users and Experts

Tak, Young Jin; Kim, Yun Jin; Lee, Sang Yeoup; Lee, Jeong Gyu; Jung, Dong Wook; Yi, Yu Hyeon; Cho, Young Hye; Choi, Eun Jung; Cho, Byung Mann

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to see how height affects the estimation of body weight. Korean internet users and experts were asked to estimate the body weight of people shown on posted photographs.
METHODS
This study was a questionnaire based research involving internet users (1,217 replies) and 37 experts who were asked to estimate body weights of people by looking at their photos posted on a diet related website from May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2011. We analyzed the correlation of height with difference between real and estimated body weight, and anthropometry on photograph (waist hip width ratio, thigh calf width ratio, lateral waist thigh width ratio). We categorized the subjects into either internet user group or expert group and compared the differences in their estimation of body weight.
RESULTS
Estimated body weight showed correlation to height(r = 0.161, P < 0.01) and waist hip width ratio (r = -0.192, P < 0.01). The accuracy of the body weight estimation among internet users (-0.68 +/- 5.15 kg) was similar to that of the experts (-1.02 +/- 9.05 kg). There was no significant difference in the accuracy of body weight estimation within the expert group regardless of either sex, age, in residency training or board certified.
CONCLUSION
As shown above, height and waist-hip width ratio are strong anthropometric factors which influence the estimation of body weight of other people after seeing photographs. Internet users, interested in body image, could estimate body weight exactly as experts.