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Measurement error of waist circumference: gaps in knowledge
Lisanne M Verweij1, Caroline B Terwee, Karin I Proper
1Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Public Health Nutrition
|May 26, 2012
Summary
Measurement error in waist circumference can range widely, making it hard to track meaningful changes. Standardized protocols are recommended to improve accuracy in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Clinical measurement
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Waist circumference measurement error is not well-defined.
- Clinically relevant changes in waist circumference lack clear definitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on waist circumference measurement error.
- To define clinically relevant changes in waist circumference.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed (1975-2011).
- Analysis of measurement error magnitude and clinically relevant change thresholds.
Main Results:
- Waist circumference measurement error can range from 0.7 cm to 15 cm.
- A 5% short-term change is 3.0–6.8 cm; a 3% maintained change is 1.8–4.1 cm.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing clinical change from measurement error is challenging due to large error margins.
- Standardized measurement protocols, training, and repeated measures are advised to minimize error.
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