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The value of anthropometric indices for childhood obesity in Japan

Tsuyoshi Isojima1, Susumu Yokoya2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Teikyo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan.

Annals of Human Biology
|July 17, 2019
PubMed

Insights

In Japan, the percentage of overweight (POW) is preferred over body mass index (BMI) for childhood obesity assessment due to expert recommendations and lack of established BMI cut-offs. Understanding the pros and cons of each index is crucial for healthcare professionals.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Anthropometry

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant global public health concern.
  • Height and weight measurements are simple, accessible methods for assessing adiposity in children.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common surrogate marker for childhood obesity, recommended by international guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize the use of anthropometric indices for childhood obesity assessment in Japan.
  • To focus on the comparison between Percentage of Overweight (POW) and BMI in the Japanese context.
  • To include the role of disease-specific indices in evaluating childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A review of current practices and literature regarding anthropometric indices for childhood obesity in Japan.
  • Comparative analysis of Percentage of Overweight (POW) and Body Mass Index (BMI) utilization.
  • Consideration of disease-specific indices in the assessment of pediatric obesity.

Main Results:

  • Percentage of Overweight (POW) is more widely used in Japan than BMI for evaluating childhood obesity.
  • The Japan Society for the Study of Obesity recommends POW for childhood obesity assessment.
  • Established BMI cut-off values for childhood obesity are lacking in Japan, contributing to POW's prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • Healthcare professionals in Japan should be aware of the advantages and limitations of different anthropometric indices.
  • The choice of index for childhood obesity assessment in Japan is influenced by expert recommendations and the absence of specific BMI guidelines.
  • Continued evaluation of anthropometric methods is necessary for effective childhood obesity management.

Keywords:
Obesityan ideal weightbody mass indexpercentage of overweightweight-for-height

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