Comparison of different criteria for measurement of obesity in a community

Sood, Ajay K.; Nath, L.M.; Kapil, Umesh; Gupta, M.C.

Comparison of different criteria for measurement of obesity in a community

1984

Sood, Ajay K. | Nath, L.M. | Kapil, Umesh | Gupta, M.C.

Extract: A community-based study to assess criteria for measurement of obesity was conducted on 1026 individuals aged 15-65 years residing in an urban area of South Delhi and selected by systematic random sampling. Data on height, weight, triceps and biceps skinfold were collected by standard techniques. Triceps skinfold thickness, Quetelets Index or Body Mass Index, weight/height, relative body weight and per cent body fat were compared as indicators of obesity. The triceps skinfold thickness gave significantly lower rates wheras the per cent body fat gave high prevalence rates for obesity, when compared with relative body weight (above 120% Metropolitan Life Insurance Standards). There was no significant difference in prevalence rates for obesity given by Quetelets Index and relative body weight. Relative body weight was taken as indicative of true obesity in the population, and the other criteria were compared with it. Body Mass Index had high sensitivity, specificity and predictive value in detecting obese subjects in the population. As Quetelets Index can be easily calculated and no reference tables are required, use of this index is suggested for community surveys. (Author)

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