‌Research shows that being able to identify where people store fat on their body (also known as their body shape) can be helpful in assessing their health.  Techniques such as measuring waist and hip circumference are often used, but are not practical when trying to assess large populations.  They also require equipment and some skill to identify the correct locations.  

Visual tools have been developed to help women self-assess their body shape. This research programme aims to explore the different types of visual tools that are available to help women self-identify their body shape.  At the moment, we do not know whether these tools are sufficiently clear and if they accurately identify where body fat is stored.

The research is being led by Susan Lennie at Newcastle University's School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences.

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