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Capacity of lifts not kept up with UK obesity levels, study shows
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Capacity of lifts not kept up with UK obesity levels, study shows

The Guardian · May 12, 2026, 10:01 PM · Also reported by 1 other source

Key takeaways

  • Lift designs are based on ‘flawed calculations’, the study’s lead author said.
  • Prefer the Guardian on Google Lifts are no longer big enough to fit the UK’s larger citizens, according to researchers.
  • A study of maximum capacity in elevators in the UK and mainland Europe found lifts have not kept up with increasing obesity levels, raising concerns about safety and equity.

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Lift designs are based on ‘flawed calculations’, the study’s lead author said. Photograph: Cigdem Simsek/Alamy View image in fullscreen Lift designs are based on ‘flawed calculations’, the study’s lead author said. Photograph: Cigdem Simsek/Alamy Obesity Capacity of lifts not kept up with UK obesity levels, study shows Research on weight limits of elevators made in UK and Europe 1972-2004 raises concerns over safety and equity

Prefer the Guardian on Google Lifts are no longer big enough to fit the UK’s larger citizens, according to researchers.

A study of maximum capacity in elevators in the UK and mainland Europe found lifts have not kept up with increasing obesity levels, raising concerns about safety and equity.

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