Posted on 16th Nov 2011 @ 11:51 AM

Despite all of the societal encouragement directed at losing weight and getting healthier, more than two thirds of Americans are still overweight or obese. As a result, many manufacturers have been creating products that are ergonomic specifically for plus-sized and bulky body types. Here are eight of these products:

1. Roland La-Z-Time Recliner

Think of it as a cross between a traditional recliner and a "chair-and-a-half." This recliner boasts a 53-inch wide seat (which is almost 50% wider than most recliner seats), as well as extra springs and thicker foam for better overall weight support.

2. The Living Extra Large Hangers

Bigger people need bigger clothes, which tend to slip off regular hangers (or grow "camel humps" in the shoulders). This polypropylene I-beam design hanger is over 20 inches long -- but just a half inch wide -- so it can support larger garments without taking up extra closet space.

3. Wind Pro Executive Umbrella

Regular umbrellas might not protect the hips or bellies of larger-sized holders. But this product has a diameter of 68 inches (compared to around 46 inches for standard-sized umbrellas) as well as an ergonomically-friendly textured rubber handle with a cushion grip.

4. ShowerBow

No one likes to feel claustrophobic in the shower. This innovative product easily attaches to a standard shower rod and holds the curtain away from the showering person (and removes the need for installing a curved shower rod).

5. Supersized Newsboy or Newsgirl Bicycle

Some overweight individuals want to shed those excess pounds, but find that most exercise equipment isn't strong enough to support them. This bicycle comes with a wider saddle, puncture-proof tires, and a steel frame that is built to transport up to 330 pounds.

6. ConvaQuip Model 900XL Series Manual Wheelchair.

Often, obesity can lead to health problems which curtail personal mobility. This wheelchair features a seat width of up to 30 inches, a seat depth of 20 inches, and a frame which can support a 700-pound occupant.

7. Big John Toilet Seat

Fat or skinny, everyone needs a comfortable place to "do their business." This seat is not only 3.5 inches wider than its traditional counterparts, but it also claims to support all sizes of sitters.

8. Goliath Homestead Casket

Aside from taxes, death is the only certainty for people of any shape or size. This 52-inch "double-wide" coffin, which must be transported by truck and interred using a crane, assures that larger individuals will rest comfortably for eternity.