Anthropometric indices among adult Melbourne Chinese Australians

Anthropometric indices of adult Chinese living in Melbourne, Australia, were studied. 540 (271 men and 269 women) adult Melbourne Chinese were recruited for a study of food habits and cardiovascular risk factor prevalence; all had stature, body weight and waist and hip circumferences measured. Body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were estimated, along with fat-free mass, total body fat and the percentage body fat, using established or published formulae. Stature was negatively associated with age and positively related to education level. The Australian-born Chinese had the greatest anthropometric indices; those born in China and Hong Kong had a similar anthropometric profile; the anthropometric profile of Vietnamese Chinese was similar to that of their Australian born counterparts and was significantly greater than that of their counterparts born in China and Hong Kong. Our study suggests that a favourable environment can promote full genetic potential in growth, as evident in the Australian-born Chinese. Those born in Vietnam appeared to have taken full advantage of the Australian environment and showed an elevation of body composition.