[Validity of indices (BMI, Rohrer index, Broca method) for assessment of obesity]

Obesity is defined by excess deposition of body fat. Ideal assessment of obesity is measurement of body fat. However, its accurate measurement is difficult. Actually, obesity index based on body weight and height has been employed. There are two kinds of index for obesity. One is a weight-corrected-for-height index representing frame size, for example BMI (body mass index) and Rohrer index. Another is a method for calculating standard weight, such as Broca method. BMI well correlates with body fat, and is the most popular obesity index for clinical practice and study in adult. Recently, BMI has been employed for determining child obesity. Other important anthropometry is waist circumference which represents visceral fat accumulation causing obesity-related disease.