Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

What is the best way to measure waist circumference?

Mary C J Rudolf1, Jenny Walker, Tim J Cole

  • 1Community Paediatrics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. mary.rudolf@leedsth.nhs.uk

International Journal of Pediatric Obesity : IJPO : an Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity
|September 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Waist circumference measurement in children shows high correlation with BMI SDS across three methods. The site 4 cm above the umbilicus is recommended for clinical use due to convenience and child preference.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Anthropometry

Background:

  • Waist circumference is a valuable pediatric metric linked to adult cardiovascular risk.
  • Current inconsistencies in measurement methods may cause confusion.
  • Standardization is needed for reliable pediatric health assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the consistency of three different waist circumference measurement methods in children.
  • To compare these methods against body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS).
  • To identify the most practical and child-friendly measurement site.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed three waist circumference measurement techniques in a cohort of overweight and normal-weight children.
  • Expressed measurements as standard deviation scores (SDS) using the British 1990 reference.
  • Correlated waist circumference SDS with BMI SDS and analyzed for bias and variability.

Main Results:

  • All three waist circumference methods showed high correlation with BMI SDS.
  • Significant bias and variability were observed between the different measurement sites.
  • The measurement site 4 cm above the umbilicus was found to be the most convenient and preferred by children.

Conclusions:

  • While all methods correlate with BMI SDS, variability exists.
  • The 4 cm above umbilicus method is recommended for clinical practice in children.
  • Further validation against visceral fat (e.g., MRI) is needed to establish a gold standard.

More Related Videos

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging06:08

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Published on: February 7, 2014

Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy for Abdominal Obesity Treatment05:18

Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy for Abdominal Obesity Treatment

Published on: November 22, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Sites for measuring blood pressure01:21

Sites for measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental clinical procedure, providing crucial data for assessing cardiovascular health. Among the various sites for this measurement, the brachial and popliteal arteries are predominantly utilized due to their accessibility and the reliability of their readings. This lesson delves into the anatomical significance, methodology, and considerations of measuring blood pressure at these locations.
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)01:23

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

Measuring blood pressure is a fundamental skill in healthcare that aids in diagnosing and monitoring hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. An aneroid sphygmomanometer, commonly used in clinical settings, offers a manual and precise method for blood pressure measurement. The technique for using this instrument involves specific steps that must be carefully executed to ensure accuracy. The following detailed description outlines a two-step technique for assessing blood pressure using...
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal01:27

Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal

Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure01:10

Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

Accurate blood pressure assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. To ensure the reliability of these measurements, healthcare professionals must adhere to standardized pre-procedural guidelines. These guidelines enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The following steps are essential for obtaining accurate and consistent blood pressure readings, from using the appropriate tools to ensuring effective communication with the patient.
Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg01:11

Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg

Proper measurement of leg blood pressure is a critical skill for healthcare providers, ensuring precise and reliable readings. When performed correctly, this procedure informs patient care and enhances the efficacy of interventions. The following text outlines step-by-step guidelines to measure blood pressure in the leg, providing clarity and ease of understanding for practitioners.
Preparation:
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure01:30

Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure

Direct Method
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...