[Waist-hip ratio and waist circumference associated with body mass index in a study with schoolchildren]

Cad Saude Publica. 2004 Nov-Dec;20(6):1609-16. doi: 10.1590/s0102-311x2004000600019. Epub 2004 Dec 8.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the percentile levels of the anthropometric indices body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumference (WC) and to verify possible correlations among theses indices in schoolchildren registered at the State Institute of Education, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. A total of 419 children ages 7 to 9 years were investigated: 215 (51.3%) boys and 204 (48.7%) girls. BMI, WHR, and WC were higher for boys than for girls. However, the differences were only statistically significant for WHR and WC. Prevalence rates were 17.9% for overweight and 6.7% for obesity. The anthropometric indices with the highest correlation were BMI and WC (r = 0.87 and p < 0.01). For overweight, BMI and WC also presented the strongest correlation (r = 0.74). For obesity, WHR and WC showed the best correlation (r = 0.54).

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Wall / anatomy & histology*
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / diagnosis*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sex Factors
  • Waist-Hip Ratio*