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Abstract
This paper describes weight (W), height (H) and percentage body fat (%BF) of a sample of 244 North Sea civilian helicopter aircrew. W and H were measured and %BF estimated from four skinfold sites. The Quetelet index (W/H2) was calculated and satisfied the criteria of poor correlation with H (−0.007) and strong correlation with W and adiposity (0.828 and 0.746, respectively). The measured sample was heavier and fatter than an RAF aircrew population but exhibited close similarities to a USAF survey. According to the Quetelet index classifications, 39.7% of the study population may be classified as being overweight and a further 3.7% as obese. The increase in %BF with age was significant. Since %BF is an important factor in cold-water survival, it was suggested that %BF would be better estimated from skinfold thickness than from the regression equation utilizing the Quetelet index. Such a measure could be implemented in the routine aircrew medical and advice regarding survival clothing requirements could then be given.
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