Abstract
In Singapore, children whose weight is ≥ 20% of the average weight for their height, age and sex based on height-weight (ht-wt) tables are selected for extra physical education classes to help them lose weight. This study examined the relationship between obesity based on ht-wt tables and obesity based on body fat percentage (%BF). 48 Chinese boys (mean±SD: age 13.6±0.6 yrs; ht. 1.64±0.08 m; wt. 73.3±11.3 kg) classified as obese according to Singapore 1993 ht-wt tables were recruited.%BF was assessed in the boys using DXA (%BFDXA) (Lunar DPX-L) and the sum of triceps and calf skinfold thicknesses (%BFSKF=0.735ΣSF + 1.0; Slaughter et al. 1988). The table shows correlations (Spearman's rho) between these methods. Body mass index(BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) are added for reference (*significant: p<0.05; **significant: p<0.01) Although correlations between ht-wt and%BF determinations of obesity were only modest, 98.5% of boys classified as obese by ht-wt tables had a%BFDXA > 25 indicating an elevated health risk. These findings suggest that ht-wt tables can be used as a screening tool for obesity in Chinese Singaporean boys.
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