The body surface areas of one normal and four extremely obese human subjects have been estimated by three methods: a) direct measurement by a method similar to that which Du Bois described; b) calculation from the Du Bois height-weight formula; and c) calculation from the Du Bois linear formula. The values for the total body surface area of the obese subjects calculated from the height-weight formula varied up to 11% below those that were directly measured. The values for the total body surface area obtained with the linear formula ranged between 13% and 20% above the direct measurements, this being almost entirely due to discrepancies in the trunk and in the thigh estimations. It has been concluded that estimation of the body surface area oxf extremely obese subjects by the Du Bois height-weight formula is satisfactory when considered in relation to the accuracy of the physiologic measurements with which it is generally used. Because of the unusual body form the Du Bois linear formula has been found unsatisfactory for this group. Submitted on March 1, 1960
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