BMI Criterion Research Articles

Age- and sex-related trends in body composition among Beijing adults aged 20–60 years: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundObesity is the most serious global epidemic and body composition is the main indicator to evaluate obesity. This study aimed to investigate the changing trends of body composition by age and gender in Beijing adults aged 20–60 years and explore the distribution of obesity rates in different age groups of both sexes under different evaluation criteria.MethodsA total of 24,948 adults aged 20–60 years in Beijing, including 10,225 males and 14,192 females, were included, divided into four age groups (20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and ≥ 50 years) with each decade of age as an age group. Body composition indicators (BMI, fat mass, BF%, muscle mass, visceral fat area, and WHR) were measured in all subjects.ResultsBMI and total fat mass peaked in males aged 40–49 years (BMI = 25.75 kg/m2, total fat mass = 17.70 kg). Female BMI, fat mass and BF% all increased significantly with age (p < 0.01). Total muscle peaked in males aged 30–39 years and decreased significantly thereafter (p < 0.0001). Visceral fat area and WHR increased significantly with age in both sexes (p < 0.0001). Age was significantly positively correlated with BMI, BF%, fat mass, WHR, and visceral fat area in both sexes (p < 0.0001), and age was negatively correlated with muscle mass in males (standard β = − 0.14, p < 0.0001) while positive in female (standard β = 0.05, p < 0.0001). Under the BMI criterion, the obesity rate peaked at 27.33% in males at the age of 20–29 years. Under the BF% criterion, the obesity rate peaked at 17.41% in males at the age of 30–39 years, and increased in females with age. The central obesity rate of both sexes increased with age under the criteria of WHR and visceral fat area.ConclusionThe results of this study reveal that age- and sex-related patterns of body composition and obesity change among Beijing adults aged 20–60 years may differ across age groups and that such patterns of change should be considered when developing public health strategies.

Does maternal overnutrition carry child undernutrition in India?

Background and objectivesStudies in low-and middle-income countries where nutrition transition is underway provides mixed evidence of double burden of maternal overnutrition and child undernutrition among mother-child pairs. Shifting dietary pattern and rapid increase in overweight/obesity among adults with persistent child undernutrition indicate that India is experiencing nutrition transition and double burden of malnutrition. Hence, the study explores the presence of and the factors associated with mother-child dyads of over- and undernutrition in India.Methods and materialsThe study uses National Family Health Survey 2015–16 data. The analytic sample consists of 28,817 weighted mother-child pairs where an overweight/obese mother is paired with an undernourished child. The nutritional status of children is defined according to WHO 2006 child growth standards as underweight (i.e., low weight-for-age), stunting (i.e., low height-for-age) and wasting (i.e., low weight-for-height). Maternal overweight/obesity (i.e., BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) is defined using adult BMI criterion. Descriptive, bivariate, and adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis are conducted.ResultsOf the overweight/obese mothers, 21.3%, 26.5%, and 14% have underweight, stunted, and wasted children respectively. In adjusted models, maternal short stature (aOR: 2.94, 95% CI: 2.30–3.75), age of child (aOR: 3.29, 95% CI: 2.76–3.92), and poorest wealth status (aOR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.59–2.54) are significant predictors of overweight/obese mothers and stunted child pairs. Similarly, poor wealth status (aOR: 1.68, 95% CI:1.32–2.14), maternal stature (aOR: 2.70, 95% CI: 2.08–3.52), and child aged 2–5 years (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI:1.51–2.08) are also significantly associated with higher occurrence of overweight/obese mother and-underweight child pairs.ConclusionFindings of the study are consistent with the phase of nutrition transition and double burden of malnutrition. The paper concludes with suggestions to improve the socioeconomic condition, more strategic nutrition specific investments and policy interventions to eliminate all forms of malnutrition for achieving SDGs.

Evaluation of Quadriceps Angle and Waist Hip Ratio in Relation to Body Man Index Among Multiparous Women

It is difficult to determine the appropriate way to assess body habitus as a risk factor for chronic illness. This study examined the age, BMI, and WHR data of 200 multiparous women who were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in our registry. The study also conducted stratified analysis by multiparous women and computed risk ratios (RRs) by WHR for those who were already considered obese according to the BMI criterion. According to the study's findings, 38% of multiparous women and 42% of single women were obese according to the BMI criterion. WHR categorised obese women as being multiparous (92% vs. 82%). For multiparous women, the RR of being obese, as measured by WHR, if considered obese according to the BMI criterion was 1.04 (95% confidence range (95% CI 1.03-1.46). The overlap between BMI and WHR is larger in multiparous women than it is in other individuals with knee OA.

101-OR: ADA Screening Guidelines and Racial Differences in Detection of Prediabetes and Diabetes in the U.S.: NHANES, 2011-2016

More than 40% of diabetes (DM) is undetected in Asian Americans. The ADA recommends glucose testing for Asian Americans at BMI≥23 kg/m2 and BMI≥25 for all others. However, if clinicians screen using BMI cutpoints, they may miss a substantial number of cases. We used the National Health Examination and Nutrition Surveys (NHANES) 2011-2016 and examined young adults (aged 20-44) without self-reported DM. We estimated for each race/ethnic group: a) the total prevalence of undetected prediabetes and DM using all three glucose tests (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] ≥100 mg/dl, 2-hour glucose ≥140 mg/dl, HbA1c ≥5.7%), b) the prevalence of undetected prediabetes and DM when only persons meeting ADA screening criteria (BMI criterion plus one additional risk factor for whites) are tested using FPG and HbA1c, c) the prevalence from (b) but removing BMI from ADA criteria. The total prevalence of undetected prediabetes and DM ranged from 35% in whites to 47% in Hispanics. Using ADA criteria and only FPG and HbA1c, prevalence was 17% in whites, 25% in Asians, 35% in blacks, and 36% in Hispanics. Dropping the BMI criterion, prevalence was 20% in whites, 35% in Asians, 42% in blacks, and 43% in Hispanics. Removing the BMI criterion for screening improved detection of prediabetes and DM to a greater extent in Asians vs. others; the more stringent criteria and use of FPG and HbA1c were associated with lower detection in whites. Disclosure A.K. Lee: None. U. Gujral: None. M.K. Ali: Research Support; Self; Merck &amp; Co., Inc. N.R. Kandula: None. A.M. Kanaya: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (T32AG000212)

Associations between symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing and maternal sleep patterns with late stillbirth: Findings from an individual participant data meta-analysis.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects up to one third of women during late pregnancy and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including hypertension, diabetes, impaired fetal growth, and preterm birth. However, it is unclear if SDB is associated with late stillbirth (≥28 weeks' gestation). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-reported symptoms of SDB and late stillbirth. Data were obtained from five case-control studies (cases 851, controls 2257) from New Zealand (2 studies), Australia, the United Kingdom, and an international study. This was a secondary analysis of an individual participant data meta-analysis that investigated maternal going-to-sleep position and late stillbirth, with a one-stage approach stratified by study and site. Inclusion criteria: singleton, non-anomalous pregnancy, ≥28 weeks' gestation. Sleep data ('any' snoring, habitual snoring ≥3 nights per week, the Berlin Questionnaire [BQ], sleep quality, sleep duration, restless sleep, daytime sleepiness, and daytime naps) were collected by self-report for the month before stillbirth. Multivariable analysis adjusted for known major risk factors for stillbirth, including maternal age, body mass index (BMI kg/m2), ethnicity, parity, education, marital status, pre-existing hypertension and diabetes, smoking, recreational drug use, baby birthweight centile, fetal movement, supine going-to-sleep position, getting up to use the toilet, measures of SDB and maternal sleep patterns significant in univariable analysis (habitual snoring, the BQ, sleep duration, restless sleep, and daytime naps). Registration number: PROSPERO, CRD42017047703. In the last month, a positive BQ (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-2.04), sleep duration >9 hours (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.14-2.90), daily daytime naps (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.02-2.28) and restless sleep greater than average (aOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44-0.88) were independently related to the odds of late stillbirth. 'Any' snoring, habitual snoring, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and a positive BQ excluding the BMI criterion, were not associated. A positive BQ, long sleep duration >9 hours, and daily daytime naps last month were associated with increased odds of late stillbirth, while sleep that is more restless than average was associated with reduced odds. Pregnant women may be reassured that the commonly reported restless sleep of late pregnancy may be physiological and associated with a reduced risk of late stillbirth.

Physical Activity and Glycemic Control in Low Versus High Inflammation Phenotypes in Metabolically Healthy Adults

Metabolically healthy overweight or obese (MHO) individuals may be studied to better understand the relationship of low-level inflammation to physical activity (PA) and fitness, metabolic syndrome, glycemic control, and postprandial responses. It was hypothesized that individuals with lower inflammation would have greater volume of PA, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), and metabolic health. PURPOSE: To compare PA, VO2max, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), metabolic syndrome criteria, and metabolic responses to a high-fat meal between low (LO) and high (HI) inflammation phenotypes within a group of MHO adults. METHODS: Adults (n=25), 23-54 y of age with BMI from 27-35 kg·m-2 were assessed for body composition, self-reported PA, VO max, and fasting/resting concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL17-, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). LO (n=11) were below the group median for ≥ 4 of the cytokines; HI (n=12) above for ≥ 4. Two participants were between phenotypes. After fasting blood collection, a high fat meal (50 g fat, 54 g carbohydrate, and 12 g protein) was consumed and 4 hourly, postprandial blood samples were collected for measurement of glucose, insulin, and triglycerides (TG). RESULTS: Mean cytokine concentrations were 1.8 to 4.3-fold higher (p<0.05) in HI compared to LO for IL-1β, IL-6, IL17-, IL-23, TNF-α, but not (p=0.12) GM-CSF. The frequency of aerobic activity was higher (p<0.05; mean ± SEM; 5.2 ± 0.5 vs 3.1 ± 0.4 d·wk-1) while VO max was similar (p=0.21; 42.9 ± 2.7 vs 38.3 ± 2.2 ml·kg·min-1) for LO vs HI. Contrary to our hypothesis, LO were higher (p<0.05) in HbA1c (5.38 ± 0.08 vs 5.10 ± 0.07%) and 1-h postprandial glucose (116.6 ± 5.7 vs 102.1 ± 3.5 mg·dl-1). TG and insulin responses, BMI, body fat (%), visceral adipose (l), and metabolic syndrome criterion scoring for waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting TG, glucose and HDL were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The current data support the beneficial influence of physical activity on inflammation; however, the unexpected finding of healthier glycemic control in individuals with higher inflammation warrants additional research. Funding Acknowledgement: Montana University System Research Initiative 51040-MUSRI2015-03 and USDA-NIFA 2017-67018-26367.

Evaluation of Dietary Habits and Lifestyle on the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity in Undergraduate University Students in Cameroon: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Obesity and metabolic syndrome have nowadays a widespread dissemination around the world. Their prevalence is increasing in developing countries, due to modifications in dietary habits and lifestyle. Limited data exist on those issues among school going youths in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 203 consenting Cameroonian freshmen was conducted at the medical center of the University of Dschang. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile markers were measured using standard procedures. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using a harmonized definition while obesity diagnosis used BMI criterion. Dietary and lifestyle habits were recorded using a questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome were 3.94% and 11.33% respectively. We found strong associations between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and high frequency of consumption of “Koki” (OR=9.9, 95% CI: 7.09-14.04, P=0.0000), “Achu soup” (OR=7.3, 95% CI: 4.4-12.3, P=0.0000), corn couscous (OR=5.64, 95% CI: 4.34-7.33, P=0.0000), “Ndole” (OR=2.4,95% CI: 1.9-3.05, P=0.0000). Regular consumption of green vegetables is associated with low prevalence of metabolic syndrome (OR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.3, P=0.0000). There is also a strong association between prevalence of obesity and high number of meal per day (OR=5.1, 95% CI: 3.07-8.4, P=0.0000) as well as more than 6 hours of TV watching per day (OR=4.9, 95% CI: 2.8-7.09, P=0.0000). Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is present in young Cameroonians and is associated to certain dietary and lifestyle habits. Interventions targeting youth may therefore be multiplied with special concern on those dietary and lifestyle issues.

Cardiometabolic Abnormalities Among Normal-Weight Persons From Five Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Two Cohort Studies.

The relationship between body weight and cardiometabolic disease may vary substantially by race/ethnicity. To determine the prevalence and correlates of the phenotype of metabolic abnormality but normal weight (MAN) for 5 racial/ethnic groups. Cross-sectional analysis. 2 community-based cohorts. 2622 white, 803 Chinese American, 1893 African American, and 1496 Hispanic persons from MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) and 803 South Asian participants in the MASALA (Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America) study. Prevalence of 2 or more cardiometabolic abnormalities (high fasting glucose, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels and hypertension) among normal-weight participants was estimated. Correlates of MAN were assessed by using log-binomial models. Among normal-weight participants (n= 846 whites, 323 Chinese Americans, 334 African Americans, 252 Hispanics, and 195 South Asians), the prevalence of MAN was 21.0% (95% CI, 18.4% to 23.9%) in whites, 32.2% (CI, 27.3% to 37.4%) in Chinese Americans, 31.1% (CI, 26.3% to 36.3%) in African Americans, 38.5% (CI, 32.6% to 44.6%) in Hispanics, and 43.6% (CI, 36.8% to 50.6%) in South Asians. Adjustment for demographic, behavioral, and ectopic body fat measures did not explain racial/ethnic differences. After adjustment for age, sex, and race/ethnicity-body mass index (BMI) interaction, for the equivalent MAN prevalence at a BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 in whites, the corresponding BMI values were 22.9 kg/m2 (CI, 19.5 to 26.3 kg/m2) in African Americans, 21.5 kg/m2 (CI, 18.5 to 24.5 kg/m2) in Hispanics, 20.9 kg/m2 (CI, 19.7 to 22.1 kg/m2) in Chinese Americans, and 19.6 kg/m2 (CI, 17.2 to 22.0 kg/m2) in South Asians. Cross-sectional study design and lack of harmonized dietary data between studies. Compared with whites, all racial/ethnic minority groups had a statistically significantly higher prevalence of MAN, which was not explained by demographic, behavioral, or ectopic fat measures. Using a BMI criterion for overweight to screen for cardiometabolic risk may result in a large proportion of racial/ethnic minority groups being overlooked. National Institutes of Health.

Adiposity is associated with early reduction in bone mass in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

ObjectivesThe effect of adiposity on bone mass in the early phases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children and adolescents is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role of adiposity on bone mass in the first 3 y of diagnosis of IBD. The expected result is that increased adiposity will be associated with increased bone mass in both the controls and IBD subjects. MethodsHeight-adjusted bone mineral density (BMD) z-scores of 25 subjects, age 13.97 ± 2.70 y, diagnosed with IBD for <4 y were compared to 24 controls, age 13.65 ± 2.60 y. Overweight was defined as BMI of ≥85th but <95th percentile, and obesity as BMI ≥95th percentile. Severity of IBD was determined by the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index and Lichtiger Colitis Activity Index. ResultsBefore stratification by BMI criterion, height-adjusted BMD z-scores were not significantly lower in IBD subjects versus controls for both the femoral neck (−0.8 ± 1.1 versus −0.06 ± 1.1, P = 0.070) and lumbar vertebrae (−0.4 ± 1.2 versus 0.2 ± 1.2, P = 0.086). Following stratification, height-adjusted BMD z-scores were significantly lower in the overweight/obese IBD subjects versus overweight/obese controls for femoral neck (−0.9 ± 0.9 versus 0.3 ± 1.3, P = 0.032); and non-significantly lower for the lumbar spine z-score (−0.4 ± 1.6 versus 0.5 ± 1.3, P = 0.197). BMD z-score had no relationship with the duration of disease, steroid therapy, and the severity of disease. ConclusionAdiposity was associated with reduced bone mass in the early phases of IBD, but with increased bone mass in the controls.

Prevalence of Obesity Among U.S. Workers and Associations with Occupational Factors

Along with public health and clinical professionals, employers are taking note of rising obesity rates among their employees, as obesity is strongly related to chronic health problems and concomitant increased healthcare costs. Contributors to the obesity epidemic are complex and numerous, and may include several work characteristics. To explore associations between occupational factors and obesity among U.S. workers. Data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey were utilized to calculate weighted prevalence rates and prevalence ratios (PRs) for obesity in relation to workweek length, work schedule, work arrangement, hostile work environment, job insecurity, work-family imbalance, and industry and occupation of employment. Data were collected in 2010 and analyzed in 2012-2013. Overall, 27.7% of U.S. workers met the BMI criterion for obesity. Among all workers, employment for more than 40 hours per week and exposure to a hostile work environment were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of obesity, although the differences were modest. Employment in health care and social assistance and public administration industries, as well as architecture and engineering, community and social service, protective service, and office and administrative support occupations was also associated with increased obesity prevalence. Work-related factors may contribute to the high prevalence of obesity in the U.S. working population. Public health professionals and employers should consider workplace interventions that target organization-level factors, such as scheduling and prevention of workplace hostility, along with individual-level factors such as diet and exercise.

Weight patterns and perceptions among female university students of Karachi: a cross sectional study.

BackgroundBody weight and its perception play an important role in the physical and mental well-being of a person. Weight perception is found to be a better predictor of weight management behaviour as compared to actual weight. In Pakistan, studies have been done on the prevalence of weight status but weight perception is still unexplored. The study was done to examine relationships between body weight perception, actual weight status, and weight control behaviour among the female university students of Karachi.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out during Sep-Nov 2009 on female students in four universities of Karachi, Pakistan. Our final sample size included 338 female university students. Height and weight were measured on calibrated scales. A modified BMI criterion for Asian populations was used.ResultsBased on measured BMI; the prevalence of underweight, normal weight and overweight females was 27.2%, 51.5% and 21.3% respectively. As a whole, just over one third (33.73%) of the sample misclassified their weight status. Among underweight (n=92), 45.70% thought they were of normal weight. No one who was truly underweight perceived them self as overweight. Among the normal weight (n= 174), 9.8% thought they were underweight and 23.6% considered themselves overweight. Among the overweight (n=72); 18.3% considered themselves normal. Only one female student thought she was underweight despite being truly overweight.ConclusionsOur study shows that among female university students in Karachi, the prevalence of being underweight is comparatively high. There is a significant misperception of weight, with one third of students misclassifying themselves. Underweight females are likely to perceive themselves as normal and be most satisfied with their weight. Health policy makers should implement these findings in future development of health interventions and prevention of depression, social anxiety and eating disorders associated with incorrect weight perception among young females. Studies that employ a longitudinal approach are needed to validate our findings.

Prevalence of Obesity in School-Going Children of Karachi

BackgroundObesity is an emerging problem in Pakistan. The authors sought to determine prevalence of obesity and malnutrition in school-going children, from grades 6th to 8th of different schools of Karachi and assess associations that affect the weight of the children.Methodology/Principal FindingsA cross sectional study design with children studying in grades 6th to 8th grade, in different schools of Karachi. We visited 10 schools of which 4 consented; two subsidized government schools and two private schools. A questionnaire was developed in consultation with a qualified nutritionist. Height and weight were measured on calibrated scales. A modified BMI criterion for Asian populations was used. Data was collected from 284 students. Of our sample, 52% were found to be underweight whereas 34% of all the children were normal. Of the population, 6% was obese and 8% overweight. Of all obese children, 70% belonged to the higher socio-economic status (SES) group, while of the underweight children, 63.3% were in the lower SES. Amongst obese children in our study, 65% ate meat every day, compared to 33% of normal kids.ConclusionObesity and undernutrition co-exist in Pakistani school-children. Our study shows that socio-economic factors are important since obesity and overweight increase with SES. Higher SES groups should be targeted for overweight while underweight is a problem of lower SES. Meat intake and lack of physical activity are some of the other factors that have been highlighted in our study.

Obesity markers and estimated 10-year fatal cardiovascular risk in Switzerland

Background and aim There is an ongoing debate on which obesity marker better predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, the relationships between obesity markers and high (>5%) 10-year risk of fatal CVD were assessed. Methods and results A cross-sectional study was conducted including 3047 women and 2689 men aged 35–75 years. Body fat percentage was assessed by tetrapolar bioimpedance. CVD risk was assessed using the SCORE risk function and gender- and age-specific cut points for body fat were derived. The diagnostic accuracy of each obesity marker was evaluated through receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. In men, body fat presented a higher correlation ( r = 0.31) with 10-year CVD risk than waist/hip ratio (WHR, r = 0.22), waist ( r = 0.22) or BMI ( r = 0.19); the corresponding values in women were 0.18, 0.15, 0.11 and 0.05, respectively (all p < 0.05). In both genders, body fat showed the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC): in men, the AUC (95% confidence interval) were 76.0 (73.8–78.2), 67.3 (64.6–69.9), 65.8 (63.1–68.5) and 60.6 (57.9–63.5) for body fat, WHR, waist and BMI, respectively. In women, the corresponding values were 72.3 (69.2–75.3), 66.6 (63.1–70.2), 64.1 (60.6–67.6) and 58.8 (55.2–62.4). The use of the body fat percentage criterion enabled the capture of three times more subjects with high CVD risk than the BMI criterion, and almost twice as much as the WHR criterion. Conclusion Obesity defined by body fat percentage is more related with 10-year risk of fatal CVD than obesity markers based on WHR, waist or BMI.

Adolescent Bariatric Surgery: Treatment Delayed, Treatment Denied, a Crisis Invited

Adolescent obesity has serious immediate and long-term health consequences. There are no effective behavioral or pharmacologic treatments of extreme obesity among adolescents. Bariatric surgery is the most effective means to achieve durable weight loss, with amelioration or resolution of most obesity-related co-morbidities. Surgery should be performed when: 1) the risk of operative complications and of recidivism is lowest; 2) the outcomes of the operation are likely to be the best possible; and 3) there is little need to consider subsequent bariatric surgery for weight regain and reappearance of co-morbidities. A higher BMI is an independent risk factor for operative morbidity and mortality, and is associated with less weight loss and greater likelihood of weight regain. The higher BMI criterion for adolescent bariatric surgery exposes the adolescent to a higher risk for operative death and complications, and suboptimal outcomes following bariatric surgery.

Body composition in adolescents: measurements and metabolic aspects

Adolescence is a decisive period in human life in which important body composition changes occur. Increase of total body mass and its relative distribution are mainly related to gender and pubertal development. This review explores the specific measurements that may be used in this age group to assess excess body fat and to define obesity and overweight. Identification of subjects at risk for adiposity requires simple anthropometric cutoffs for the screening of overweight and obesity. In this context, BMI criterion is the most frequently used but, in spite of its high sensitivity and specificity, an important number of adolescents classified as overweight or obese do not have really high adiposity (32.1% of females and 42% of males). Excess total body fat and intra-abdominal visceral fat are related to metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Waist circumference seems to be the best simple anthropometric predictor for the screening of the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents. Early identification of adolescents at risk for adiposity and its related metabolic complications requires reliable, simple and specific measures of excess body fat for this age group.

Prediction of percentage body fat from anthropometric measurements: comparison of New Zealand European and Polynesian young women

The prediction of total body fat from simple anthropometric measurements was examined in 42 white (New Zealand European and 40 Polynesian women aged 18-27 y. Percentage body fat (%BF) was determined from measurements of total body water (TBW) by 18O dilution. Mean (+/- SD) body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) averaged 29.2 +/- 7.9 (range: 16.5-48.0) for the New Zealand European group and 31.2 +/- 7.9 (range: 19.8-51.8) for the Polynesian group, %BF calculated from TBW was similar in the two groups (40.5 +/- 9.9% for the New Zealand European compared with 39.1 +/- 7.5% for the Polynesian group). BMI was significantly correlated with height in the Polynesian group but not in the New Zealand European group. The relation between BMI and %BF was curvilinear for both groups. At a fixed %BF, BMI was higher in the Polynesian group than in the New Zealand European group. A BMI of 30 for the New Zealand European group corresponded to a BMI of 34 for the Polynesian group at an equivalent %BF (42%). Prediction equations for %BF developed from skinfold thicknesses or girth measurements were ethnicity dependent. We conclude that the BMI criterion for obesity in whites requires revision for use in Polynesians.