Our Blog Series
We believe there’s more than one way to explore human measurement. Whether you’re looking for practical guidance, thought-provoking discussion, new technologies, research insights, or personal reflections from practice, our blog is designed to offer something for everyone. To help readers navigate our content, we’ve organised our articles into six core series.
📏 Beyond the Scales
Exploring the bigger picture behind human measurement: Beyond the Scales is our discussion-focused series. These articles take a deeper dive into topics that influence anthropometry, body composition, health, performance, education, and professional practice. Rather than simply presenting facts, these pieces explore ideas, ask questions, challenge assumptions, and examine the wider implications of measurement.
💡 Tech Spotlight
Everything you need to know about the technologies shaping our field: Tech Spotlight reviews the tools, devices, software, and innovations used across anthropometry and body composition assessment. Each article explores a specific technology. From 3D body scanners and DXA to ultrasound, bioelectrical impedance, and emerging AI-powered systems, Tech Spotlight helps you understand the technology behind the measurement.
📝 Anthropometrist’s Reflections
Experiences, lessons, and thoughts from the field: Anthropometrist’s Reflections is exactly what it sounds like. This series is a space to share personal experiences, observations, challenges, successes, and lessons learned through working in anthropometry, education, research, and applied practice. Some reflections may be technical, others professional, and some simply explore the realities of working in a field built around measuring people.
📚 Resources
A growing library of reference materials and learning resources: The Resources section is designed to be an evergreen collection of information that readers can return to time and time again. Unlike our discussion-based articles, these pieces focus on providing reliable information and signposting useful materials. Think of it as your anthropometry reference shelf.
🎓 Measurement Masterclass
Developing practical measurement skills: Measurement Masterclass focuses on the craft of measurement itself. These articles provide practical guidance, tips, and best practice recommendations for those looking to improve their technical skills and confidence. Whether you’re a student, trainee, or experienced practitioner, this series aims to support excellence in measurement practice.
🔬 Research Spotlight
Making sense of the latest evidence: Keeping up with research can be challenging, especially when you’re balancing practice, teaching, and everyday life. Research Spotlight highlights interesting studies and emerging evidence from across anthropometry, body composition, health, sport, and human measurement. Our goal is to bridge the gap between research and practice by translating evidence into accessible, meaningful insights.
Whether you’re completely new to anthropometry or have worked in the field for decades, we hope these series help you learn something new, think differently, and continue developing your understanding of human measurement.
Check out our latest article below, or search by topic or series.
- 📏 Beyond the Scales: From Padded Bras to Penis Scandals -The Conversation ArticleHow much does body shape matter in sport? More than you might think… My latest article for The Conversation explores the surprising lengths athletes have gone to in …
Continue reading “📏 Beyond the Scales: From Padded Bras to Penis Scandals -The Conversation Article”
- 📝 Anthropometrist’s Reflections: Alice Bullas – from Hallam to Hawai’i – Why am I spending my Summer in Hawai’i?A Research Secondment, a Family Adventure, and a Chance to Learn This summer, I am undertaking an international research secondment at the John A. Shepherd Research Laboratory within …
- 💡 Tech Spotlight: HegesDiscover how Heges is making 3D scanning more accessible by transforming LiDAR-enabled mobile devices into powerful tools for creating detailed digital models. Essential Information at a Glance Feature …
- BEYOND THE SCALES BLOG: Beyond BMI – Why Getting Measurement Right Matters for Health Equity
I was recently featured on ITV Calendar News (9:50 onwards) discussing concerns around Body Mass Index (BMI). As is often the case with broadcast interviews, only a short … - 📏 Beyond the Scales: UK Voices Against Weight Stigma (World Obesity Day ’26)
Each World Obesity Day (March 4th) is a reminder that we need to keep rethinking how we talk about and respond to obesity. This blog brings together key …Continue reading “📏 Beyond the Scales: UK Voices Against Weight Stigma (World Obesity Day ’26)”
- 📏 Beyond the Scales: AnthroEngineering – why measurement alone is no longer enough
Anthropometry has long provided a way of describing human size, shape, and proportion. Traditionally, its outputs have been datasets, reference values, and population summaries – useful for comparison, … - 📏 Beyond the Scales: England’s latest NCMP results: what the 2024/25 data tells us about children’s growth, health and the environments shaping it
Released in November 2025, the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) provides one of the most detailed insights into children’s growth across England. This summary outlines the latest findings … - 📏 Beyond the Scales: the Conversation on the Body Roundness Index (BRI)Dr Alice Bullas, of the Morphology Research Theme, has recent published an online blog article with Conversation. View it here: https://theconversation.com/should-we-ditch-bmi-and-use-the-body-roundness-index-instead-232342
- BEYOND THE SCALES: Ambition to award – reflections on the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship application process.
The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support exceptional researchers and innovators in the UK. Funded by the UK government, it supports early career … - BEYOND THE SCALES: The use of more advanced body measurements: Translating research from elite sport to health.
For centuries, people have been fascinated with the human body and measuring its dimensions, believing that an individual’s physical health and performance is closely linked to their body …

