Weight,Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist / Hip Size
Description
Anthropometric measures such as weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist and
hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) are related to circumstances
closer to the time of measurement. These adiposity measures indicate the
balance between energy intake and energy expenditure.
These measures have recently gained greater attention because of the increasing prevalence of the overweight and obesity in all age groups (Gutierrez-Fisac et al., 2000; Heitmann, 2000; Lahti-Koski et al., 2000; Tremblay et al, 2002).
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines overweight as BMI between 25 and 29.9 and obesity as BMI equal to or greater than 30. Obesity is further divided by three categories -30 to 34.9 (obese 1), 35 to 39.9 (obese 2), and 40 and above (obese 3) (WHO Expert Consultation, 2004)
Significance of Measurement
Those with higher values of BMI, wait and hip circumferences, and WHR
tend to be at higher risks for hypertension, adult-onset diabetes mellitus,
heart disease, stroke, various forms of cancer, atherosclerosis (Folsom
et al., 1994; Lapidus et al., 1984; Larsson et al., 1984; McKeigue et
al., 1991; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1998; Ohlson et
al., 1985; Welin et al., 1987; Zhang et al., 2004), osteoarthritis (Felson
et al., 1992), increased inactivity, resulting in lower aerobic capacity
and less muscle strength (Andersen et al., 2001), and disability (Blaum
et al., 2003; Davison et al., 2002; Dey et al., 2002; Himes, 2000; Must
et al., 1999). High WHR was also found to be related to some somatic and
psychological health problems (Adler et al., 1999; Seeman et al., 1997).
Some clinical studies have found the importance of fat distribution in affecting adiposity-related diseases and mortality. They argue that it is not obesity per se but the distribution of the adipose tissue that is related to increased risk for those diseases and conditions (Donahue et al., 1987; Ducimetiere et al., 1985). Among people with equal degree of adiposity, those with a central distribution of fat (android or apple body shape) tend to experience higher rates of atherosclerotic heart disease, stroke, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes than those with a peripheral distribution of fat (gynoid or pear body shape).
Thus, some researchers prefer WHR and waist circumference (WC) to BMI as a better predictor for cardiovascular risk (Dagenais et al., 2005) and other adiposity-related conditions. While BMI provides an index of obesity, WHR may be more useful as an index of more chronic levels of metabolism and adipose tissue deposition (Seeman et al., 1997). According to the guideline provided by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) ATP III (Adult Treatment Panel III) on metabolic syndrome (which represents a constellation of lipid and nonlipid risk factors of metabolic origin) (Expert Panel, 2001), the use of simple measure of waist circumference instead of BMI is recommended to identify the body weight component of metabolic syndrome (men>40 inc; women>35 inc).
Method of Measurement
BMI is calculated in kilograms of weight, and height in meters, as the
ratio of weight to height-squared (kg/m2).
Waist circumference is measured at its narrowest point between the ribs and iliac crest and hip circumference is measured at the maximal buttocks.
References
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· Please
refer to the Research Network on Socioeconomic Status and Health
website for details. http://www.macses.ucsf.edu/Research/Allostatic/notebook/body.html
http://www.macses.ucsf.edu/Research/Allostatic/notebook/fat.html