Are we too fat for lifts? UK study says elevators aren't keeping up
A new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity has raised concerns that lifts across the UK and Europe are no longer designed for today's average body size. Researchers say outdated weight assumptions could create safety risks and increase stigma for people living with obesity.
As obesity levels continue to rise across the world, experts are warning that public infrastructure has failed to keep pace with changing body sizes.
A new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul has found that lifts in the UK and several European countries may no longer safely accommodate the average adult weight.
Researchers say many lifts still rely on outdated assumptions about body size and passenger weight, despite a sharp increase in obesity rates over the past five decades.
The findings have sparked concerns not only about safety and efficiency but also about accessibility and inclusion for people living with obesity.
LIFTS DESIGNED FOR A DIFFERENT ERA
The research examined 112 lifts manufactured between 1972 and 2024 across the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Finland. Scientists compared the maximum weight capacity of each lift with the average adult weight during the year it was built.
According to the study, average passenger weight allowances increased from around 62 kg per person in the 1970s to about 75 kg in the early 2000s. However, after 2004, lift capacity limits largely stopped increasing, even though average body weight continued to rise.
Today, the average British man weighs around 86 kg, while the average woman weighs about 73 kg. Researchers noted that many lift manufacturers still assume the average passenger weighs 75 kg, which is now below the average adult weight in the UK.
SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY CONCERNS
Lead researcher Prof Nick Finer said modern lift designs may underestimate how much space people actually occupy. He explained that manufacturers often calculate capacity based on floor space rather than realistic body shapes and weight distribution.
Experts warn that overloaded lifts could face operational issues, including sudden cut-offs or reduced efficiency. In crowded buildings, fewer people may be able to use lifts at one time, increasing waiting periods and affecting transport flow.
Researchers also highlighted the emotional impact on people living with obesity. They said entering overcrowded lifts or worrying about weight limits can lead to embarrassment, stigma and social exclusion.
EXPERTS CALL FOR INCLUSIVE PUBLIC SPACES
Jane DeVille-Almond, president of the British Obesity Society, said society must accept that body sizes have changed over the past 50 years and public facilities need to adapt accordingly.
Nutritionist Louise Payne added that the issue goes beyond comfort. She said public spaces should be designed to ensure dignity, accessibility and inclusion for everyone, regardless of body size.
The study has reignited conversations about how cities, transport systems and public buildings need to evolve alongside changing health trends and population needs.
As obesity levels continue to rise across the world, experts are warning that public infrastructure has failed to keep pace with changing body sizes.
A new study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul has found that lifts in the UK and several European countries may no longer safely accommodate the average adult weight.
Researchers say many lifts still rely on outdated assumptions about body size and passenger weight, despite a sharp increase in obesity rates over the past five decades.
The findings have sparked concerns not only about safety and efficiency but also about accessibility and inclusion for people living with obesity.
LIFTS DESIGNED FOR A DIFFERENT ERA
The research examined 112 lifts manufactured between 1972 and 2024 across the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Finland. Scientists compared the maximum weight capacity of each lift with the average adult weight during the year it was built.
According to the study, average passenger weight allowances increased from around 62 kg per person in the 1970s to about 75 kg in the early 2000s. However, after 2004, lift capacity limits largely stopped increasing, even though average body weight continued to rise.
Today, the average British man weighs around 86 kg, while the average woman weighs about 73 kg. Researchers noted that many lift manufacturers still assume the average passenger weighs 75 kg, which is now below the average adult weight in the UK.
SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY CONCERNS
Lead researcher Prof Nick Finer said modern lift designs may underestimate how much space people actually occupy. He explained that manufacturers often calculate capacity based on floor space rather than realistic body shapes and weight distribution.
Experts warn that overloaded lifts could face operational issues, including sudden cut-offs or reduced efficiency. In crowded buildings, fewer people may be able to use lifts at one time, increasing waiting periods and affecting transport flow.
Researchers also highlighted the emotional impact on people living with obesity. They said entering overcrowded lifts or worrying about weight limits can lead to embarrassment, stigma and social exclusion.
EXPERTS CALL FOR INCLUSIVE PUBLIC SPACES
Jane DeVille-Almond, president of the British Obesity Society, said society must accept that body sizes have changed over the past 50 years and public facilities need to adapt accordingly.
Nutritionist Louise Payne added that the issue goes beyond comfort. She said public spaces should be designed to ensure dignity, accessibility and inclusion for everyone, regardless of body size.
The study has reignited conversations about how cities, transport systems and public buildings need to evolve alongside changing health trends and population needs.
