Measurement and Definitions of Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence: a Field Guide for the Uninitiated

Overview

Journal Nutr J

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Nutritional Sciences

Date 2007 Oct 30

PMID 17963490

Citations 59

Authors

Helen N Sweeting

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This paper aims to guide readers embarking on the complex literature in respect of childhood and adolescent obesity. It opens with a discussion of definitions of 'obesity' based on overall fat levels and the significance of fat distribution. This is followed by simple descriptions of the various techniques used to measure fat, including density-based, scanning, bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric methods. The paper then turns to 'overweight' and the measurement of weight in relation to height, particularly via body mass index (BMI). While it is a relatively simple measure and a valuable tool, BMI has several disadvantages, which are described. These include a lack of consensus on which values should be used to define 'overweight' or 'obese', with the result that the literature contains a confusing multiplicity of child and adolescent obesity rates.

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