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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

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Classifying preadolescent boys based on their weight status and percent body fat produces different groups

Lynn S Brann1

  • 1Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics, Syracuse University, 304 Lyman Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-1250, USA. lbrann@syr.edu

Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|May 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage in preadolescent boys are correlated but can misclassify weight status. Sedentary activity was higher in boys with upper body fat. BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing concern.
  • Accurate assessment of adiposity in children is crucial for health interventions.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) is commonly used to assess weight status, but its accuracy in reflecting body fat percentage in children is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between BMI and body fat percentage in preadolescent boys.
  • To examine how boys are grouped based on BMI and body fat percentage.
  • To identify potential misclassifications when using BMI alone to assess adiposity in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional pilot study involving 50 white boys aged 8-10 years.
  • Height and weight measured for BMI calculation.
  • Body fat percentage measured using air-displacement plethysmography.
  • Boys categorized into average/high BMI groups and lower/upper body fat groups.
  • Maternal reports on sports participation and sedentary activity.

Main Results:

  • A significant correlation was found between body fat percentage and BMI (r=0.74, P<0.0001).
  • Despite the correlation, significant differences in group classification were observed (chi(2)=13.52, P<0.0001), indicating misclassification.
  • Six boys in the high BMI group were classified in the lower body fat group, and six in the average BMI group were in the upper body fat group.
  • Boys in the upper body fat group reported more sedentary activity than those in the lower body fat group (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • BMI is a useful screening tool for weight status in preadolescent boys but has limitations in accurately assessing adiposity.
  • Reliance solely on BMI may lead to misclassification of body fat levels.
  • Further research is needed to refine methods for assessing adiposity in children.
  • Consideration of both BMI and body fat percentage, alongside lifestyle factors like sedentary activity, is recommended for a comprehensive assessment.

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