Röhrer index, Vervaeck index and Body Mass Index(BMI) are frequently used in order to judge obese subjects in clothing & textiles field. However, there are no certain criteria of judging the degree of obesity. Each researcher utilized these obesity indices according to their own criteria so far. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to suggest a reliable obesity index and new criteria for judging the degree of obesity. The results are as follows; Utilizing frequency analysis, main percentiles, minimums, maximums and ranges were presented by 5 age groups from twenties to sixties. Obesity rates dramatically increased, the subject got older. Especially, obesity rate of the subjects in their fifties and sixties were much higher than other age groups. 1.6 & higher can be used in the Röhrer index, 98 & higher can be used in the Vervaeck index, and 25 & higher can be used in the BMI as the Optimal criteria of the obesity. Total of 24 body measurements and 3 obesity indices were used for analyzing the correlation analysis. All heights measurements showed negative correlation with the 3 obesity indices. It is determined heights measurements have high correlation with Röhrer index compare to other indices. Crotch height, interscye back, neck shoulder point to breast point, bust circumference, waist circumference, upper arm circumference and armscye circumference have high positive correlation with all obesity indices. According to the ANOVAs by each percentile group of the Röhrer and Vervaeck indices, there are big significances in all measurements and obesity indices except arm length. In general, heights decreased significantly by getting bigger, while circumferences and lengths, widths and indices increased rapidly by getting bigger. The results of the analysis by each percentile group in the BMI, it showed the significant differences in the all measurements except cervical height and arm length. There were similar tendency of differences according to the degree of the obesity in BMI percentile groups. It was confirmed that the BMI is the most reliable index for judging the obesity owing to the high correlations and significant differences with other measurements.

• 이경화 | Kyong Hwa Yi