Assessing the female figure identification technique's reliability as a body shape classification system.

This paper demonstrates the effects of slight differences in measurement definitions on resultant body shape classification. Ergonomic researchers consider the Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) a 'gold standard' body shape classification system to describe variation in a population's 3 D profile. Nevertheless, researchers use FFIT without a scientific basis or considering their ergonomic suitability.

'I didn't realise I was such a sausage': men's accounts of whole-body scanning, body image, and expected changes in health-related behaviours.

Objective: Whole-body scanning is now available in stores to assist buyers in choosing well-fitting clothes. This study was designed to investigate men's accounts of scanning, body image and expectations of behaviour change.

Design: Ten men aged 18-39 years without histories of eating disorders or previous experience of whole-body scanning, took part in semi-structured interviews before and after scanning.

'I think a little bit of a kick is sometimes what you need': Women's accounts of whole-body scanning and likely impact on health-related behaviours.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate whether whole-body scanning might promote healthy eating and physical activity in women, and to explore the effects of scanning on body image.

Design: Fourteen women aged 22-45 years without histories of eating disorders or whole-body scanning took part in semi-structured interviews before and after scanning. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Dress fit and body image: a thematic analysis of women's accounts during and after trying on dresses.

This study was designed to investigate women's experiences of dress fit and body image. Spontaneous speech of 20 women aged 18-45 years was audio-recorded while they tried on a number of dresses. They were also body-scanned and photographed in their chosen dress and discussed both the scan and the photograph in semi-structured interviews.