Abstract

This investigation evaluated a suit simulating the physical experience of being overweight by adding weight to the torso/ upper extremities and adding girth to the torso using a padded vest. An intervention group (BMI <30) of 10 males and 10 females was compared a control group (BMI>30) with 4 males and 4 females (controls). ADL tasks were performed by the intervention group with and without the suit and by the control group. Physiological data was collected while participants performed the tasks. Subjective data was collected after the tasks were complete. Analysis was conducted within the intervention group (with and without the suit) and between the groups (intervention group with suit and control). The suit produced similar physiological results for the intervention group and control group. The suit did not produce similar subjective results for the intervention group and control group.