Author(s): ALAHMADI, M., Institution: TAIBAH UNIVERSITY, Country: SAUDI ARABIA, Abstract-ID: 2397

INTRODUCTION:
Anthropometric measurements have traditionally been obtained using manual techniques to assess human body dimensions. However, advancements in digital technology now enable more efficient and comprehensive assessments through three-dimensional (3D) body scanning systems. These systems generate extensive anthropometric data in a substantially shorter time compared to conventional methods [1–2]. Despite their advantages, such technologies remain underutilized in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine body composition, body circumferences, and related health indices using a 3D body scanner in a sample of Saudi men and women.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study included 168 participants (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age 35.5 ± 8.2 years; body mass index [BMI] 28.1 ± 5.9 kg/m²). Of these, 106 were men (weight 84.7 ± 16.2 kg; height 172.2 ± 7.3 cm; BMI 28.6 ± 5.5 kg/m²) and 62 were women (weight 69.1 ± 18.9 kg; height 159.0 ± 6.3 cm; BMI 27.2 ± 6.6 kg/m²).
Body composition and circumferential measurements were obtained using the Fit3D ProScanner, a 3D body scanner equipped with multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and a three-camera system utilizing structured light scanning technology. Each scan required approximately 40 seconds, after which data were transmitted via a secure cloud-based platform to dedicated scanner software for analysis. Height was additionally measured using a calibrated digital stadiometer (Seca 286) to the nearest 0.5 cm.
RESULTS:
The mean body fat percentage was 29.1 ± 7.5% in men and 33.6 ± 7.3% in women. The prevalence of obesity, defined as body fat percentage ≥25% in men and ≥32% in women, was 75.1% and 66.9%, respectively. Obesity was significantly more prevalent in men than in women (p < 0.001). Men exhibited significantly higher anthropometric measurements compared to women, including neck circumference (39.3 ± 2.9 cm vs. 32.7 ± 3.9 cm), mid-upper arm circumference (34.5 ± 4.8 cm vs. 31.4 ± 6.2 cm), waist circumference (91.9 ± 12.7 cm vs. 80.7 ± 15.9 cm), and hip circumference (109.3 ± 9.2 cm vs. 107.7 ± 15.3 cm). Similarly, derived health indices were higher in men than in women, including neck-to-height ratio (0.229 ± 0.018 vs. 0.206 ± 0.025), waist-to-hip ratio (0.84 ± 0.07 vs. 0.75 ± 0.07), and waist-to-height ratio (0.55 ± 0.08 vs. 0.51 ± 0.09).
CONCLUSION:
The prevalence of obesity, as assessed using three-dimensional optical scanning technology, was notably high among Saudi men and women in this sample. Several anthropometric and derived health indices exceeded established reference values. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective public health strategies aimed at reducing overweight and obesity, including the implementation of comprehensive national obesity prevention programs.

REFERENCES:
1. Tinsley, Grant M et al. European journal of clinical nutrition vol. 74,7 (2020): 1054-1064.
2. Heymsfield, Steven B et al. European journal of clinical nutrition vol. 72,5 (2018): 680-687.