Association of leg length with overweight and obesity in children aged 5-15 years: A cross-sectional study

Short leg length (LL) and childhood obesity have been independently associated with a higher risk for adult disease. However, the contribution of relative LL to overweight and obesity in children remains an under-researched area.

To utilize data from a large cross-sectional anthropometric survey to assess the association of LL to height ratio (LLHR, leg length/height) with measures of overweight and obesity in British children.

Children were analysed from the bottom and top body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) quartiles (3825 children, boys=1686) or waist circumference (WC) SDS quartiles (3824 children, boys=1687). The top quartile was defined as the 'high' BMI or WC SDS group and the lower bottom quartile as the 'low' BMI or WC SDS group. Height and LL were expressed as SDSs using current references and LLHR was calculated.

Children in the 'high' groups were taller with longer legs but had a lower LLHR across most ages. The magnitude of the difference was greater for BMI than WC in both genders.

Altered body dimensions appear to be linked to measures of overweight and obesity in children but longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this suggestion.