Interpretation Of Body Mass Index Research Articles

Age relative height, weight and body mass index percentiles of children in Jos, North-Central Nigeria

Background: Interpretation of body mass index in children is quite different from that in adults which use standard weight status categories that are the same for all ages and for both men and women.
 Aims and Objective: The study was aimed at determining the prevalence of childhood obesity in Jos.
 Materials and Methods: A total of 371 children were enrolled in the study. Weight was taken with only light clothing and without foot wears. Height obtained without head-gears or shoes and the measuring flat tops pressed down to avoid errors due to tall hair. Body mass index were calculated for each subject as ratio of body weight to body height. All data were analyzed statistically and separately for different ages and the mean values for height against age, weight against age, height against weight and BMI for age was obtained with centiles of absolute deviations from the mean.
 Results: The age of the studied population ranged from 3 – 14 years with mean of 8.4 ± 2.8. Height of the children on the other hand ranged from 0.9 – 1.64 meters with mean value of 1.26 ± 0.15 and their weight ranged from 10 – 76 kg with mean value of 25.6 ± 9.2. Out of the 371 children studied, 14 (3.8%) were found to be underweight, 302 (81.4%) had healthy weight while 41 (11%) were at risk of overweight and 14 (3.8%) were overweight. In addition, the body mass index of girls was found to be significantly higher than those of boys at 12 and 13 years only.
 Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence of childhood obesity is high in Jos, North-central Nigeria.

Nutritional status assessment of the Polish Border Guards officers – Body Mass Index or Fat Mass Index?

AbstractIntroduction:Border Guards service requirements are very specific. Very good health and excellent psycho-physical condition are the main factors that determine effectiveness and reliability of designated tasks. Disorders of nutritional status, such as underweight, overweight or obesity not only impairs well-being, but also are health problem associated with limitation of possibilities to perform Border Guard's tasks and duties and can lead to earlier elimination from the service. The aim of the study was to assess nutritional status, using two indicators: Body Mass Index (BMI) and Fat Mass Index (FMI).Materials and methods:The study was carried out with participation of 259 Border Guards (64 women and 195 men), aged 38 ± 6; years of service: 12 ± 6. An electric bioimpedance method (TANITA MC-780) was used to determine body composition. Body Mass Index (BMI [kg/m2] = body mass [kg] / height2 [m2]) and Fat Mass Index FMI [kg/m2] = fat mass [kg] / height2 [m2]) were calculated for each of the participants.Results and discussion:Examined group of Polish Border Guards officers was characterized by a large variety of assessed anthropometric indicators. According to the BMI classification excess body mass was more often (p < 0.001) observed in men (68%) than in women (25%) and according to the FMI classification excess fat was also more often (p < 0.001) observed in men (55%) than in women (28%). BMI classification of overweight or obese was observed in 41 of participants with the normal FMI level. Fat percentage of women with normal BMI ranged from 11.6 to 33.5% and tat percentage of men with normal BMI ranged from 7.3 to 21.6%. There are difficulties in BMI interpretation in adults with increased physical activity. It seems more reasonable to assess correctness of nutritional status on the basis of an analyze of FMI value, as this indicator assesses degree of fatness, and not the entire body weight, which, in case of uniformed services usually is greater due to extensive muscle mass, which can increase BMI value. It is necessary to take educational activities in the field of health promotion of these people, with a focus on nutrition prevention of metabolic civilization diseases, as well as to motivate Border Guards officers to respect basic principles of proper nutrition to maintain proper body mass and fat mass.

Prediction of height and body mass index based on body segments: Use of Gauld's equations in an Argentine sample.

When height cannot be measured or does not account for actual bone growth in children, due to their condition, it may be estimated using equations based on body segments. 1. To compare observed height (OH) and predicted height (PH) based on body segments using the equations of Gauld et al. 2. To analyze its applicability in the estimation and interpretation of body mass index (BMI). A sample of children and adolescents without musculoskeletal alterations. Height, arm span, length of the ulna, the forearm, the tibia and the leg, weight, and pubertal development were registered. BMI was estimated. Differences and agreements between OH and PH were analyzed using the Bland-Altman method and an intraclass correlation coefficient. For BMI, the absolute prediction error and agreement were estimated using a Kappa coefficient. Two hundred and twenty children and adolescents aged 6.04-19.1 years were included. The intraclass correlation coefficient between PH and OH was > 0.9 in all equations. In average, PH overestimated OH by less than 2.0 cm, except when using the ulna length (2.6 cm among girls and 3.4 m among boys). The average absolute prediction error for BMI was < 5 %, except for the ulna length, and the Kappa coefficient was > 0.7. In our sample, the equations of Gauld et al. were adequate to predict height and estimate BMI. The greatest difference between observed height and predicted height was observed when using the ulna length.

N-TB: A mobile-based application to simplify nutritional assessment, counseling and care of patients with tuberculosis in India

Undernutrition is the most prevalent comorbidity in patients with tuberculosis (TB) in India. Undernutrition is often severe and results in higher risk of death, drug toxicity during treatment, poor functional status at end of treatment and a higher risk of relapse after successful treatment. A World Health Organization guideline has recommended nutritional assessment, counseling, and care as integral parts of TB care. The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme has recognized undernutrition as a significant comorbidity, released a guidance document for improving nutritional care and support, and launched a scheme for direct bank transfer of monthly cash benefit to TB patients. However, there are gaps at the provider level on nutritional assessment, due to challenges in calculation and interpretation of body mass index (BMI). A mobile based application has been developed for use in the programme, which makes estimation of BMI possible, classifies the severity of undernutrition, suggests triage and clinical actions based on the BMI, indicates desirable body weight corresponding to a BMI of 21 kg/m2, and the daily caloric and protein intake for underweight patients with active TB. The app also provides tips for dietary counseling for TB patients, information on the major food groups, emphasizes an adequate and balanced diet from locally available foods for nutritional recovery of TB patients.

Gross Motor Function Classification System Specific Growth Charts-Utility as a Risk Stratification Tool for Surgical Site Infection Following Spine Surgery.

There is currently minimal evidence that preoperative malnutrition increases surgical site infection (SSI) risk in children with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing spinal deformity surgery. Growth charts specifically for patients with CP have been created to aid in the clinical interpretation of body mass index (BMI) as a marker of nutritional status, but to our knowledge these charts have never been used to risk stratify patients before orthopaedic surgery. We hypothesize that patients with CP who have BMI-for-age below the 10th percentile (BMI≤10) on CP-specific growth charts are at increased risk of surgical site infection following spinal deformity surgery compared with patients with BMI-for-age above the 10th percentile (BMI>10). Single-center, retrospective review comparing the rate of SSI in patients with CP stratified by BMI-for-age percentiles on CP-specific growth charts who underwent spinal deformity surgery. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and Pearson χ tests were used to analyze the association of the measured nutritional indicators with SSI. In total, 65 patients, who underwent 74 procedures, had complete follow-up data and were included in this analysis. Ten patients (15.4%) were GMFCS I-III and 55 (84.6%) were GMFCS IV-V; 39 (60%) were orally fed and 26 (40%) were tube-fed. The rate of SSI in this patient population was 13.5% with 10 SSIs reported within 90 days of surgery. There was a significant association between patients with a BMI below the 10th percentile on GMFCS-stratified growth charts and the development of SSI (OR, 13.6; 95% CI, 2.4-75.4; P=0.005). All SSIs occurred in patients that were GMFCS IV-V. There was no association between height, weight, feeding method, or pelvic instrumentation and development of SSI. CP-specific growth charts are useful tools for identifying patients at increased risk for SSI following spinal instrumentation procedures, whereas standard CDC growth charts are much less sensitive. There is a strong association between preoperative BMI percentile on GMFCS-stratified growth charts and SSI following spinal deformity surgery. Level III-Retrospective Study.

Paediatric dentists' identification and management of underweight and overweight children.

Dental caries and obesity are growing challenges for the NHS. Dentists are in the unique position of being able to identify both conditions and intervene, following UK government strategy of 'making every contact count'. Identify specialists in paediatric dentistry's (SPD) current practice regarding diagnosis and management of underweight or overweight/obese children presenting to dental services. An online survey was emailed to the UK SPD group. Questions investigated whether height, weight or body mass index (BMI) were measured, actions taken, and dentists' feelings regarding their role. 49/118 (42%) SPDs responded. All felt they had a responsibility to identify underweight or overweight/obese children. Around a quarter (26%) measured BMI 'always' or 'often', while 37% did not measure BMI. Only 41% of SPDs who measured BMI took action more than twice in a year. Most commonly (90%) the child's GP was informed. SPDs were supportive of the identification of underweight or overweight/obese children. However, many felt uncertain about BMI interpretation. Thus, few routinely measured BMI or acted on abnormal results. SPDs would benefit from training, alongside development of a local protocol, regarding BMI calculation and interpretation.

The Use of Arm Span as a Substitute for Height in Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) for Spine Deformity Patients*

ObjectiveTo compare arm span and height in body mass index (BMI) calculation in patients with spinal curvature and investigate their impact on interpretation of BMI. Study DesignProspective case-control cohorts. Summary of Background DataThe BMI value is based on weight to height ratio. Spine deformity patients experience height loss and its use in calculating BMI is likely to produce errors. A surrogate for height should therefore be sought in BMI determination. MethodsNinety-three spine deformity patients were matched with 64 normal children. Anthropometric values (height, arm span, and weight) and spinal curve were obtained. BMIs using arm span and height were calculated, and statistical analysis performed to assess the relationship between BMI/height and BMI/arm span in both groups as well as the relationship between these values and Arm Span to Height difference (Delta AH). ResultsThere were 46 males and 47 females, the average age was 15.5 years in Group 1 versus 33 males and 31 females, average age 14.8 years in Group 2. Major scoliosis in Group 1 averaged 125.7° (21° to 252°). The extreme curves show vertebral transposition, with overlapping segments making it more than 180°. A logistic regression showed that there was linearity in BMI scores (R2 = 0.97) for both arm span and height (R2 = 0.94) in group 2 patients. For group 1 patients there was a significant difference in the BMI values when comparing BMI/arm span versus BMI/height (p < .0001). Mean BMI values using height was overstated by 2.8 (18.6%). The threshold at which BMI score must be calculated using arm span as opposed to the height (Delta AH) was determined to be 3 cm. ConclusionsSpine deformity patients experience height loss, which can impact their true BMI values thereby giving an erroneous impression of their nutritional status. The arm span should be used in patients with Delta AH >3 cm to properly assess nutritional status.

Scaling of adult regional body mass and body composition as a whole to height: Relevance to body shape and body mass index.

Adult body mass (MB) empirically scales as height (Ht) squared (MB ∝ Ht(2) ), but does regional body mass and body composition as a whole also scale as Ht(2) ? This question is relevant to a wide range of biological topics, including interpretation of body mass index (BMI). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to quantify regional body mass [head (MH), trunk, arms, and legs] and whole-body composition [fat, lean soft tissue (LST), and bone mineral content (BMC)] in non-Hispanic (NH) white, NH black, Mexican American, and Korean adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; n = 17,126) and Korean NHANES (n = 8,942). Regression models were developed to establish Ht scaling powers for each measured component with adjustments for age and adiposity. Exploratory analyses revealed a consistent scaling pattern across men and women of the four population groups: regional mass powers, head (∼0.8-1) < arms and trunk (∼1.8-2.3) < legs (∼2.3-2.6); and body composition, LST (∼2.0-2.3) < BMC (∼2.1-2.4). Small sex and population differences in scaling powers were also observed. As body mass scaled uniformly across the eight sex and population groups as Ht(∼2) , tall and short subjects differed in body shape (e.g., MH/MB ∝ Ht(-∼1) ) and composition. Adult human body shape and relative composition are a function of body size as represented by stature, a finding that reveals a previously unrecognized phenotypic heterogeneity as defined by BMI. These observations provide new pathways for exploring mechanisms governing the interrelations between adult stature, body morphology, biomechanics, and metabolism.

Measurement and Interpretation of Body Mass Index During Childhood and Adolescence.

The landscape of childhood health and disease has changed over the past century, and school nurses are now in a unique position to address the conditions that lead to chronic disease, such as obesity. Measuring body mass index (BMI) during childhood and adolescence is the recommended method for screening and/or monitoring obesity in school communities. Yet changes in the size, proportion, and distribution of fat mass and fat-free mass during growth and development introduce challenges to interpreting BMI measurements. Understanding these challenges and ensuring accurate measurement techniques are the foundation for implementing school-based BMI measurement programs. This article will provide an overview of body composition during childhood and adolescence, introduce strategies to improve the accuracy of BMI measurements, and explore the school nurse's role in BMI surveillance and/or screening activities.

Weight perception among Italian adults, 2006–2010

Underweight, overweight and obesity are associated with increased mortality from several chronic diseases, including cancer. Self body weight misperceptions affect weight control. We monitored weight perception in Italy on a total of 14 135 individuals (6834 men, 7301 women), representative of the Italian adult population with available information on body mass index (BMI) derived by self-reported height and weight. Differences in misperception of BMI categories across subpopulations were analysed using unconditional multiple logistic regression models after adjustment for a number of covariates. Overall, 66.4% of individuals accurately perceived, 21.0% underestimated and 12.6% overestimated their category of BMI. In men, 27.2% underestimated and 5.0% overestimated their BMI category the corresponding estimates for women were 15.3% and 19.6%, respectively. The large majority of underweight (64.3%) and obese individuals (93.1%) overestimated and underestimated their weight, respectively. Overall, 13.5% of Italians misperceived (8.9% underestimated and 4.6% overestimated) their BMI category by more than 2 kg/m. By multivariate analysis, we observed significant differences in terms of sex, education, geographic area, marital status, smoking and drinking habit, year of survey and BMI category. In conclusion, misperception of body weight is frequent in Italy, paralleling findings from other countries with more unfavourable overweight and obesity patterns. The fact that one out of three Italian adults misperceive their weight is of great concern and indicates that media intervention campaigns aimed at explaining measurement and correct interpretation of BMI are required.

Interpretation of body mass index in children with CKD.

Clinical practice guidelines recommend that body mass index (BMI) in children with CKD be expressed relative to height-age (BMI-height-age-z) rather than chronologic age (BMI-age-z) to account for delayed growth and sexual maturation. This approach has not been validated. This study sought to (1) compare children who have CKD with healthy children regarding the relationships between BMI-age-z and each of relative lean mass (LM) and adiposity and (2) determine whether BMI-height-age-z reflects relative LM and adiposity in CKD in the same way that BMI-age-z does in healthy children. In a cross-sectional study, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess whole-body fat mass (FM) and LM in 143 participants with CKD and 958 healthy participants (age, 5-21 years); FM and LM were expressed as sex-specific Z-scores relative to height (LM-height-z, FM-height-z), with healthy participants as the reference. BMI-age-z and BMI-height-age-z were determined using the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference data. Compared with healthy children of the same sex, age, race, and BMI-age-z, LM-height-z was significantly higher in males with all CKD stages (by 0.41-0.43 SDs) and in females with mild to moderate CKD (by 0.38 SD); FM-height-z was significantly higher in both males (by 0.26 SD) and females (by 0.52 SD) with severe CKD. Underestimation of relative LM and adiposity was improved by expressing BMI relative to height-age. In children with CKD, BMI-height-age-z reflects relative LM and adiposity in the same way that BMI-age-z does in healthy children.

Prevalence and socioeconomic risk factors of obesity among urban female students in Al‐Khobar city, Eastern Saudi Arabia, 2003

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the socioeconomic risk factors associated with obesity among female school-aged children and adolescents in primary and intermediate schools in Al-Khobar city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Al-Khobar city, which is located in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, during the period of January to March 2003. It involved 2239 female schoolchildren randomly selected from 30 regular government and private primary and preparatory schools. The students' ages ranged from 6 to 17 years, with a mean of 10.49 +/- 2.64 years. A multistage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used. Data were collected using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Body mass index interpretation was based on using a table of standard definitions for overweight and obesity in children (Cole's). The spss version 10 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data entry and analysis. A chi-squared test was used in cross-tabulation analysis to test the significance of association between body mass index and socioeconomic variables. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 20% and 11%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight was higher among schoolchildren with father in private work (P<0.01) and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among schoolchildren with highly educated mothers (P=0.008). The prevalence of overweight and obesity among female school-aged children and adolescents in the Al-Khobar city was very high. Accordingly, it is recommended that health education programmes regarding obesity should be provided to all schoolchildren, their families and teachers.

Altered Body Composition Affects Resting Energy Expenditure and Interpretation Of Body Mass Index In Chiloren With Spinal Cord Injury

Background: lndividuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) typically undergo changes in their body composition (reduction in lean body mass and an increase in fat mass) that can Iead to secondary complications associated with diminished physical activity and obesity.Methods: This study used dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to estimate the totallean tissue mass (L TM), total body fat, and total bone mineral content (BMC) to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI), body composition, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a group of children with SCI who were matched with able-bodied controls for age and sex. Body composition and RMR were measured in 18 boys and 9 girls (1 0-21 years of age) who had a SCI in the previous 1 to 3 years andin 27 age-and sex-matched controls.Results: Children with SCI had significantly lower mean LTM than control subjects (3 7.6 ± 9.6 kg and 46.7 ± 9.2 kg, respectively; P < 0.001) and higher percent body fat (26.4 ± 7.9% and 20.2 ± 8.5%, respectively; P < 0.02) as measured by DXA, despite their reduced BMI (1 8.9 ± 3.8 kg/m2 and 21.2 ± 2.9 kg/m2 , respectively; P < 0.01 ). Children with SCI had lower RMR than the controls subjects (1213 ± 334 kj/d and 1511 ± 257 kj/d, respectively), but there was no difference in RMR when adjusted for LTM.Conclusion: Children with SCI have lower RMRs that are associated with their reduced LTM. The reduction in LTM and RMR may predispose children with SCI to relative gains in body fat. BMI significantly underestimates body fat in children with SCI.