MICHAEL WONG
Graduate Student UH Cancer Center research lab of John Shepherd
A 3D optical scan study by Michael Wong , a University of Hawai ‘ i at Mānoa graduate student in the UH Cancer Center ’ s research lab of John Shepherd , PhD , was selected by Obesity as one of the top five entries for research that significantly furthers scientific understanding of obesity . The study , “ Children and Adolescents ’ Anthropometrics Body Composition from 3D Optical Surface Scans ”, was featured in the November 2019 issue of the publication and presented at Obesity Week 2019 in Las Vegas , Nevada .
Wong used 3D optical technology , Fit 3D , to make body composition equations for children and teenagers ages five to 17 years . The equations Wong created for 3D optical scanners provide easy-to-use and accurate body composition models that can track body changes over time . The 3D optical technology is not only safe to use on children , but also gives accurate health assessments .
The research from this study will be used to track changes in health over time , in order to reduce the prevalence of obesity and its effects . Since 3D optical technology has been found to be an effective tool for studying a number of populations at every stage of life , Wong and his team will begin developing models to study the body composition of astronauts and kids who are ages zero to five years .
CHILDHOOD OBESITY RATES IN HAWAI ‘ I HAVE BEEN STEADILY INCREASING OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF DECADES , AS IT HAS BEEN IN STATES ACROSS THE NATION .
OBESITY IS A RISK FACTOR FOR SOME CANCERS AND METABOLIC SYNDROME . 3D TECHNOLOGY COULD BE A CRUCIAL TOOL IN IDENTIFYING OBESITY EARLY DURING CHILDHOOD
IN ORDER TO PREVENT OBESITY AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN ADULTHOOD .” – MICHAEL WONG
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