Somatotype and disease prevalence in adults

We examined the association between the somatotype and its main components (endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy), and the prevalence of several chronic diseases. The data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey designed to assess somatotype and morbidity with special reference to most often diagnosed diseases. The study population comprised 524 men and 250 women. The subjects underwent laboratory tests and clinical and anthropometric examinations. Of all examined workers, 94.8% fell into the five somatotype categories; of these, 394 were endomorphic mesomorphs. The most common somatotype was endomorphic mesomorph for men and mesomorph-endomorph for women. In five disease groups, prevalence was significantly related to a somatotype. Mesomorphic endomorphs most frequently suffered from digestive system diseases (40.6%, p < 0.05), neuroses (30.1%, p < 0.05), and radiculitis lumbosacralis (15.4%). The prevalence of arterial hypertension in mesomorph-endomorphs (37.1%), endomorphic mesomorphs (35.5%), and mesomorphic endomorphs (34.3%) was equal. In both genders, those with the highest endomorphy and mesomorphy and the lowest ectomorphy, grouped by cluster analysis, were those who suffered most frequently from arterial hypertension and liver disease. The authors conclude that the somatotype having a dominant mesomorphy and marked endomorphy constitutes a risk factor as a particular predisposition toward certain diseases and requires body weight control.     

Masculine somatotype and hirsuteness as determinants of sexual attractiveness to women

Five questionnaire studies asked women to rate the attractiveness of outline drawings of male figures that varied in somatotype, body proportions, symmetry, and in distribution of trunk hair. In Study 1, back-posed figures of mesomorphic (muscular) somatotypes were rated as most attractive, followed by average, ectomorphic (slim), and endomorphic (heavily built) figures by both British and Sri Lankan women. In Study 2, computer morphing of somatotypes to produce an intergraded series resulted in a graded response in terms of perceived attractiveness which mirrored the findings of Study 1. In Study 3, back-posed figures were manipulated in order to change waist-to-hip ratios (WHR) and waist-to-shoulder ratios (WSR). A WHR of 0.8–0.9 and a WSR of 0.6 were rated as most attractive and these effects were more pronounced when modeling mesomorphic figures. In Study 4, symmetric figures of a mesomorphic somatotype were rated as less attractive than a normal (asymmetric) version of the same man. Study 5 showed that presence of trunk hair had a marked, positive effect upon women's ratings of attractiveness for both mesomorphic and endomorphic male figures. Women also judged figures with trunk hair as being older and they consistently rated endomorphic figures as being older than mesomorphs. These results are consistent with effects of sexual selection upon visual signals that advertise health, physical prowess, age, and underlying endocrine condition in the human male.     

汉族儿童青少年体型遗传的双生子研究

目的分析遗传与环境因素对儿童青少年体型的影响,并探讨其中年龄和性别的作用。方法采用Heath-Carter法对376对6～18岁同性别汉族双生子（同卵双生子245对,异卵双生子131对）的体型三因子进行计算。调整另外两项体型因子后,用Mx软件拟合最佳模型,计算各体型因子的遗传与环境方差组分,分析年龄和性别的作用,并按体格突增分期估算不同发育期各因子的遗传度。结果校正年龄后,男生内、中、外三因子的遗传度分别为0．45,0．80,0．44;女生内、中、外三因子的遗传度分别为0．82,0．79,0．81;男生内因子的遗传度在青春期晚期明显高于前期（t=4．99,P〈0．01）和早期（t=6．16,P〈0．01）,外因子的遗传度在青春期晚期明显低于前期（t=3．35,P〈0．01）和早期（t=4．12,P〈0．01）;女生内因子（t=2．77,P〈0．01）、中因子（t=2．08,P〈0．05）的遗传度均为青春期前期明显高于早期。结论遗传因素对女生体型的影响明显高于男生,尤以内因子和外因子最为明显,男生中因子主要受遗传因素影响,内、外因子受环境因素影响较大。不同发育阶段对体型各因子遗传度的影响应引起重视。     

Somatotyping of schizophrenic and affective disorder patients

INTRODUCTION: Constitutional traits have been found to show a distinct relevance to major psychiatric disorders. Syndromal modified expressivity is also closely related to somatotypic constitution. In this view somatotyping appears valuable in diagnosis and prognosis of mental disorders. AIM: The present study was conducted in an attempt to outline somatotypic characteristics of schizophrenia and affective disorders with the aim of providing a logical basis for diagnosis of these major psychiatric disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The somatotype of 54 schizophrenic and 68 affective disorder inpatients who fulfil the DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia (subjects with schizophreniform, schizoaffective, schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders were excluded from the sample) and affective disorder (bipolar and unipolar) was assessed using the Health-Carter anthropometric method. RESULTS: The overall assessment of the somatotypes determined both groups as endomorphs mesomorphs with somatotype components 4.50-4.44-1.90 for schizophrenic patients and 5.87-5.40-0.36 for affective disorder patients. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant for any of the somatotype components. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the constitutional and somatotypic characterization appears reasonable element in the multifactorial analysis of diagnostic decisions in these major psychiatric disorders.     

安徽农村青少年体型的Heath-Carter人体测量法研究

目的 :　了解安徽农村青少年的体型发育状况。方法 :　采用 Heath- Carter人体测量法对繁昌县农村 1 678名 (男 91 4 ,女 764) 7～ 1 8岁汉族青少年进行体型分析。结果 :　女性内因子大于男性 ,中因子和外因子小于男性。随着年龄的增长 ,男女体型都在发生变化。男性逐渐由中胚型过渡到外胚型 ;女性由三胚中间型经偏内胚型的外胚型演变为内胚型。经检验 ,同龄男女间差异显著。通过与蒙古族和国外其他群体相比较 ,表明在不同民族和人种间的体型有一定差异。结论 :　 Heath- Carter体型法在人类营养学和体质人类学领域有广阔的应用前景。青春期是形成体型的关键时期。     

Anthropometric characteristics and competition dietary intakes of professional rugby league players

This study aimed to describe the physique characteristics and competition nutrient intake of professional Rugby League players and to assess use of a statistical technique for evaluating validity of dietary reporting. Players (n = 74) were endomorphic mesomorphs and had a mean weight, height, and BMI of 93.4 +/- 10.9 kg, 179.9 +/- 7.3 cm, and 28.5 +/- 2.1 kg/m2 respectively. Mean sum of eight skinfolds was 78.9 +/- 2.2 mm (12.4 +/- 2.9% fat). Players (n = 34) reported a mean daily energy intake of 17,708 +/- 3,688 kJ (carbohydrate 51%, protein 18%, fat 25%, alcohol 4%) with 6 and 2.0 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) from carbohydrate and protein respectively. Micronutrient intake was adequate but alcohol consumption was high relative to health standards. The dietary records provided a plausible estimate of energy intake however further research is required to evaluate statistical techniques for assessing dietary validity in athlete groups.     

Somatotypic characteristic of schizophrenic patients

AIM: Introduction of quantitative metric methods of somatotype assessment in schizophrenic patients to make clinical diagnosis more objective, the diagnosis being otherwise based exclusively on the clinical interview and assessment of the mental status of patients and thus involving certain subjectivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 67 schizophrenic inpatients (38 men, 29 women) consecutively admitted to the Clinic of Psychiatry in Plovdiv. Their mean age was 31.47 years (SD = 9.43, range 16-56), mean duration of illness 6.86 (SD = 6.09, range 1-27), mean number of hospitalizations 4.22 (SD = 4.08, range 1-19). The patients satisfied DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). The control group comprised 69 subjects (36 men, 33 women) with a mean age 39.24 years (SD = 10.18, range 22-68) and socioeconomic background matching that of the patients. RESULTS: The data showed statistically significant differences in the three somatotype component and in almost all somatotypological variables between male schizophrenic patients and control subjects. The somatotype categories were more extensively presented in the schizophrenic patients. There was a tendency to higher frequency of the ectomorphic categories (ectomorphic mesomorph, mesomorphic ectomorph and endomorph-ectomorph). No statistically significant differences were found in the somatotype components and somatotypological variables between the female schizophrenic patients and control subjects. CONCLUSION: The data of the examination of the somatotype of schizophrenic patients and control subjects evince a definite sexually related body constitution characteristic that differentiates the groups. Schizophrenic patients and control subjects are clearly determined somatotypically only in the group of males.     

医学生在校3年体质量和体脂及体型的变化

目的 了解医学生在校期间体质量、体脂和体型的变化,为管理体质量促进健康提供科学依据。方法 跟踪100名医学生(男生44名,女生56名),分别于大学二年级和五年级下学期初,测量体质量、身高、腰围、体脂肪量、去脂量和体脂率。结果 3年间男生体质量、体质指数、腰围、体脂量、去脂量、体脂率分别增加4.46 kg、1.35 kg/m2、4.33 cm、2.48 kg、1.98 kg,2.57%, 而女生腰围增加0.78 cm,去脂量减少0.8 kg。男生79.5%体质量增加,平均增加5.9 kg;女生仅46.4%体质量增加,平均增加3.25 kg,女生41.1%体质量降低,平均降低2.73 kg。3年间男生体型构成比发生明显变化(P<0.05),中心型肥胖前期率和中心型肥胖率分别增加18.2%和4.5% 。腰围变化与体质量变化、体脂率变化呈显著正相关(P<0.01)。结论 医学生在校后期,男生体质量和中心型肥胖明显增加,是体质量管理的重点对象。     

辽西汉族青少年体型的研究

[目的]为探讨我国辽西地区汉族青少年体型发育的特点与规律,为体质人类学补充必要的资料.[方法]采用Heath-Carter人体测量法对辽西地区城乡青少年的体型进行了调研.[结果]城女在内因子,城男在中、外因子及乡男在外因子方面各占优势;男生的平均体型属三胚中间型,女生的平均体型属偏外胚层的内胚层体型;与国内外群体比较,男生体型与日本人较接近,女生体型与芬兰人较接近.[结论]辽西地区汉族青少年脂肪发育和身体线性度居中等水平,骨骼肌肉发育居中下等.     

Low staffing level is associated with malnutrition in long-term residential care homes

OBJECTIVE: To determine if staffing level is associated with poor nutrition in the long-term residential care setting, adjusting for other confounding factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: In total, 14 residential care facilities in Hong Kong, stratified by nature (government subvention or for-profit) to reflect the overall proportion in Hong Kong. SUBJECTS: A total of 1914 subjects were assessed, using the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) 2.0. The response rate was 95% (1820 subjects), of which 1699 subjects had complete nutritional information. INTERVENTION: Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by weighing and height measurement, and arm span was used if the subject could not stand. Subjects who were receiving parenteral or enteral nutrition via nasogastric of enterostomy tubes were excluded. A history of weight loss of 5% in the past month or 10% in the past 6 months, leaving 25% of food uneaten, and BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2) were examined as nutritional indicators. Association with age, gender, functional disability, oral problems, taste problems, presence of physical diseases and psychological well-being was examined using chi(2)-test, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: In all, 26% of residents had a BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2), with a higher prevalence in the for-profit homes. History of weight loss and the record that 25% of food was left uneaten were poor indicators of low BMI. Multivariate analysis showed that having chronic obstructive airways disease, requiring help with feeding, being female, older age, were factors associated with an increased risk of poor nutrition, while being independent in activities of daily living and higher staff levels were associated with a reduced risk. CONCLUSION: Poor nutrition is a persistent problem in the long-term care setting, and inadequate staffing levels may be a reversible cause. However, resource limitations may render efforts at improvement difficult. SPONSORSHIP: SK Yee Memorial Fund.     

Long-term enteral nutrition facilitates optimization of body weight

BACKGROUND: Optimization of body mass index (BMI) among cancer survivors is a priority. Long-term enteral nutrition is required by many head and neck cancer survivors and may be utilized to affect changes in BMI. METHODS: We used a retrospective review of head and neck cancer survivors dependent on enteral nutrition. Patients were grouped according to their BMI at initiation of enteral feeding. Patients with normal, low, or elevated BMI were assigned a goal of weight maintenance, weight gain, or weight reduction, respectively. Changes in BMI over time were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 39 head and neck cancer survivors requiring enteral nutrition. Median time on enteral nutrition was 32 +/- 39.6 months. At the initiation of enteral feeding, 51% of patients had a normal BMI and were assigned to the weight maintenance group, 84% successfully maintained a normal BMI (mean 22.4 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2)), and 18% had a low BMI and were assigned to the weight gain group. In all, 85% achieved or trended toward a normal BMI (from 16.5 +/- 1.9 to 19.2 +/- 1.6 kg/m(2); p = .02). When enteral feedings began, 31% of patients had an elevated BMI and were assigned a goal of weight reduction; all were able to reduce their BMI (from 30.2 +/- 5 to 27.3 +/- 6 kg/m(2); p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term enteral feeding facilitates body weight optimization among ambulatory head and neck cancer survivors. These findings may potentially be generalized to all ambulatory patients who are dependent on enteral nutrition.     

Prevalence of obesity, overweight and underweight in a Hong Kong community: the United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service (UCNCHS) primary health care program 1996-1997

The aim of this cross-sectional observation study was to assess thoroughly the body mass index (BMI) profile in Hong Kong Chinese and report all categories of BMI cutoff points as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). A cohort of 17,242 subjects (4822 men and 12420 women) aged 15 or above from the community of Hong Kong presenting themselves voluntarily from April 1996 to August 1997 for primary health assessment at the Three Health Centers of the United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service (UCNCHS). The mean age (+/- SD) was 51.0 +/- 16.2 years (range 15-96 years, median 49.6 years). The mean BMI of the 17,242 subjects was 23.5 +/- 3.3 kg/m2 in men and 23.0 +/- 3.7 kg/m2 in women. The BMI peaked at age 30 to 50 years in men and 50 to 70 years in women. The age-standardized prevalence of BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 or > or = 25 kg/m2 in Hong Kong Chinese was 3.0% in men and 3.2% in women, and 29.1% in men and 21.3% in women, respectively. For underweight, 35.9% and 27.8% of women and 27.5% and 10.3% of men aged 15-20 and 20-30 years, respectively, had BMI < 18.5 kg/m2. In conclusion, a significant proportion of Hong Kong Chinese had a BMI > or = 25 kg/m2. Among Hong Kong Chinese aged < 30 years, the prevalence of underweight was also high.     

Nutrition status of patients during hospitalization, Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the nutrition status of patients on admission and monitored changes during hospitalization at Shariatri Educational Hospital, Tehran, Iran. METHODS: One hundred fifty-six randomly selected patients from 9 different wards were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) and body composition (based on bioelectrical impedance) were measured on admission and discharge. A questionnaire was also completed to evaluate general physical, psychological, and living status of the patients. Medical records were audited to identify when nutrition consultation, nutrition support, and nutrition-related laboratory factors (serum levels of total lymphocyte count [TLC] and albumin) were ordered. Frequency and paired t-test were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Undernutrition (BMI <18.5 kg/m(2)) was present in 5.7% of the patients on admission, and severe undernutrition (BMI <16 kg/m(2)) existed in 0.6%. When discharged, 11% of patients were undernourished, and the prevalence of severe undernutrition increased to 1.3%. Average body weight and BMI decreased significantly during hospitalization (p < .001). Body composition analysis showed a significant reduction in body protein mass (p < .001). During hospitalization, body water percentile decreased and body fat percentile increased but not significantly. Only 1 patient was supported with parenteral nutrition (PN) and 1 with enteral nutrition. Orders for nutrition consultation were present in 1.9%, TLC levels in 10.8%, and serum albumin levels in 7% of the patient medical records surveyed. CONCLUSIONS: Undernutrition increased in patients during hospitalization. According to the low rate of nutrition-related orders, one potential cause of worsening nutrition status may be inadequate medical staff awareness about the importance of nutrition in hospitalized patients.     

Nutrition, nutritional habits, obesity, and prevalence of chronic diseases in workers.

The purpose of the present investigation is to reveal the specifics of the nutrition, nutritional behavior (habits), the prevalence of obesity and of certain chronic diseases among workers. The subjects were 264 workers (203 males and 61 females) from the ammonium production department of a fertilizer plant, divided into two age groups: under and over 30 years of age. The data were collected by means of a food-frequency questionnaire about daily nutrition and the average quantity of food. The nutritional status was assessed on the basis of BMI. All workers underwent clinical examinations conducted by a range of different experts, including an internal diseases specialist, a neurologist, a cardiologist, an opthalmologist, an otorhino-laryngologist, and a dermatologist. Twenty hematological and biochemical indicators in blood and serum were measured. Assessment of the individual energy intake showed that hyperenergetic nutrition was typical of 67% of workers because of extra intake of fat, which was seen in 87.9% of all individuals examined. The daily fat intake of over 40E% was typical for almost half the females (45.9%). All age and gender groups displayed hyperprotein nutrition with pronounced cellulose (fiber) deficit and a high daily sodium intake. The frequency of overweight individuals (BMI = 25, 1-30 kg/m2) was 43.9%, whereas that of obese individuals (BMI = > 30 kg/m2) was 23.1%. A total of 67% of workers had excessive body mass. The hypertension prevalence rose significantly from 6.9% in Group I to 34.5% in Group II, and to 57.4% in Group III. Coronary heart disease was rare, but the seven cases registered were among the overweight workers. The radiculitis prevalence among workers with normal body mass was two-fold lower in comparison with both groups (overweight and obesity). We conclude that hyperenergetic and unbalanced nutrition is a factor that determines the prevalence of overweight and obesity. A significantly higher percent of overweight and obese workers suffered from hypertension, liver disease, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and eye-vessel diseases. A tendency toward rising radiculitis and musculoskeleton system disease prevalence was seen that parallels the increase in BMI.     

Body fatness, physical activity, and nutritional behaviours in Asian Indian immigrants to New Zealand

Body fatness, physical activity, and nutritional behaviours were assessed in 112 (50 male, 62 female) Asian Indians living in New Zealand. Participants were aged 44-91 years (mean 67.5 +/- 7.6) and had lived in New Zealand on average 51 months. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured to determine body mass index (BMI) and central adiposity. Bioelectrical impedance was used to derive fat free mass, fat mass, and percentage body fat. Pedometers were worn to record daily steps taken over each of seven consecutive days. A lifestyle and health questionnaire was administered to collect information on nutrition behaviours. Average BMI for the sample was 27.2 +/- 4.7 kg/m2 with females (28.0 +/- 5.4 kg/m2) significantly higher than males (25.6 +/- 5.4 kg/m2). Using Asian Indian specific cut-offs 69% of the sample was obese (BMI>=25 kg/m2) and a further 13.7% overweight (23>=BMI<25 kg/m2). Average percentage body fat for the sample was 41.1 +/- 9.1 with females significantly higher than males. The majority (74%) reported some form of chronic condition, with 35% diagnosed with diabetes. Physical activity levels for the sample were low (5,977 +/- 3,560 steps/day) and significantly different between males (6,982 +/- 4,426) and females (5,159 +/- 2,401). Higher pedometer steps were associated with lower waist circumference. After adjustment for age, physical activity was lower, but nutritional habits better for those who had spent a longer time in New Zealand. In summary, Asian Indian immigrants to New Zealand have low physical activity levels and high levels of overweight/obesity and lifestyle disease.     

Somatotype, physical growth, and sexual maturation in young male smokers.

One thousand school boys aged 8 to 16 were examined for their somatotype, physical growth, sexual maturation, and smoking habits. Fifty-two boys were found to be smokers, of whom 30 were regularly smoking between two and 20 bidis or cigarettes a day for a mean duration of 2.5 years. The mean height and weight of the smokers was significantly lower than that of the non-smokers at all ages, more so in regular than occasional smokers. Sixty-nine per cent of the smokers had mesomorphic type of body build; about 65% of the non-smokers had ectomorphic somatotype (P less than 0.001). Onset of puberty occurred significantly earlier among smokers compared with non-smokers, as was evident from the early appearance of genital stage 2, and an early and rapid increase in testicular size. Genital stage 2 appeared at a mean age of 11 years in smokers and 11.6 years in non-smokers. However, the appearance of pubic, axillary, and facial hair was delayed. The possible significance of this is discussed.     

Caffeine ingestion increases the insulin response to an oral-glucose-tolerance test in obese men before and after weight loss

BACKGROUND: Caffeine ingestion decreases the insulin sensitivity index (ISI) for an oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) and decreases insulin-induced glucose disposal in lean male subjects during a hyperinsulinemic clamp. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of caffeine ingestion on insulin and glucose homeostasis in obese men before and after a nutrition and exercise intervention. DESIGN: Nine sedentary, obese [body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 34.0 +/- 1.0] men who had refrained from exercise and caffeine ingestion for 48 h underwent 2 oral-glucose-tolerance tests (OGTTs). The subjects randomly received caffeine (5 mg/kg) or placebo 1 h before each OGTT. After a 12-wk nutrition and exercise intervention, during which time the subjects avoided dietary caffeine, the OGTTs were repeated. RESULTS: The intervention resulted in decreases (P < or = 0.05) in body weight (8.5 +/- 1.5 kg), percentage body fat (2.8 +/- 0.7%), and fasting glucose, insulin, and proinsulin concentrations and increases in the ISI for the placebo OGTT (P < or = 0.05). Caffeine caused a greater (P < or = 0.05) OGTT insulin response and a lower (P < or = 0.05) ISI both before and after weight loss. The proinsulin-insulin ratio indicated that neither weight loss nor caffeine affected the nature of the beta cell secretion of insulin. CONCLUSIONS: A nutrition and exercise intervention improved, whereas caffeine ingestion impaired, insulin-glucose homeostasis in obese men. The results are consistent with previous findings that caffeine ingestion contributes to insulin resistance.     

Food insecurity,food choices,and body mass index in adults: nutrition transition in Trinidad and Tobago

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated whether food insecurity and obesity were associated in a population sample in Trinidad. METHODS: A sample was drawn of 15 clusters of households, in north central Trinidad. Resident adults were enumerated. A questionnaire was administered including the short form Household Food Security Scale (HFSS). Heights and weights were measured. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and ethnic group. RESULTS: Data were analysed for 531/631 (84%) of eligible respondents including 241 men and 290 women with a mean age of 47 (range 24-89) years. Overall, 134 (25%) of subjects were classified as food insecure. Food insecurity was associated with lower household incomes and physical disability. Food insecure subjects were less likely to eat fruit (food insecure 40%, food secure 55%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36-0.99, P = 0.045) or green vegetables or salads (food insecure 28%, food secure 51%; adjusted OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.27-0.79, P = 0.005) on >/=5-6 days per week. Body mass index (BMI) was available for 467 (74%) subjects of whom 41 (9%) had BMI <20 kg/m(2), 157 (34%) had BMI 25-29 kg/m(2), and 120 (26%) had BMI >/=30 kg/m(2). Underweight (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.17-8.81) was associated with food insecurity, but obesity was not (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.55-2.12). CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity was frequent at all levels of BMI and was associated with lower consumption of fruit and vegetables. Food insecurity was associated with underweight but not with present obesity.     

Increased body mass index is related to apparent circumscribed pleural thickening on plain chest radiographs

BACKGROUND: Diffuse pleural thickening and pleural plaques are the commonest radiological manifestations of asbestos exposure. Differentiation between subpleural fat and non-calcified pleural plaques is important clinically and medico-legally. This study aims to determine if apparent circumscribed pleural thickening on chest radiographs is related with obesity. METHODS: Surveillance chest x-rays of 693 former asbestos workers were read with the ILO classification. Subjects with costophrenic angle obliteration (n = 57) were analyzed separately. The remaining subjects were subdivided according to their body mass index (BMI): Group 1 < 26 kg/m(2); Group 2 26-30 kg/m(2); Group 3 > 30 kg/m(2). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, asbestos exposure, and profusion scores were evenly distributed. BMI of > 30 kg/m(2) was associated with a higher prevalence of pleural thickening on CXR (Gp1 = 8.5%; Gp2 = 9.3%; Gp3 = 18.3%). This relationship was strongest in the subgroups with 25-50% of the lateral chest wall involved and pleural thickness of < 10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) is related to apparent circumscribed pleural thickening on CXR, especially thin (< 1 cm) shadows covering 25-50% of the lateral chest wall.