Overeenstemming tussen antropometrische methoden voor de bepaling van de gewichtsstatus

Abstract

Congruence among anthropometric indicators identifying the weight statusObjective: To examine the congruence in weight status classification according to four anthropometric weight status methods: Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI) and skin fold thickness. Methods: The study sample consisted of 91 adult subjects. Weight status of all subjects was determined in terms of ‘underweight’, ‘normal weight’, ‘overweight’ and ‘obese’ on the basis of each of four anthropometric methods (BMI, waist circumference, FFMI and skin fold thickness). Congruence between classifications was calculated using Cohen’s kappa. Results: The results of the study show different percentages per weight category when measured by the four anthropometric methods. All intertest agreements proved to be low in the total study group. This also counted for almost all agreements in separate analyses for gender and age. Conclusion: Outcomes of the four methods hardly agree with respect to classifying the study population in weight status. Further research into the strengths, weaknesses and validity of the methods is needed.Keywords: weight status, congruence, anthropometric indicators