The impact of adjustment of a weight-height index (W/H2) for frame size on the prediction of body fatness

Abstract

1. The impact of frame-size categories in weight-height tables was studied by comparing the efficiency of the body-mass index (weight/height² (W/H²)) and weight adjusted for body-height and a body-diameter, W/(H²D^p), in predicting body fatness.2. Body-weight, body-height, six body-diameters and four skinfold thicknesses were measured in ninety-five men and seventy women, aged between 23 and 35 years. Percentage of body fat was calculated from skinfold thicknesses using regression equations according to Durnin & Womersley (1974).3. The inclusion of a body-diameter increased the explained variation of body fatness from 57% to 62% (knee) and 63% (shoulder) in men and from 63% to 69% (knee) in women.4. It can be concluded that in the present population the efficiency of the prediction of percentage of body fat was not improved markedly by the inclusion of a body-diameter in the body-mass index, thus giving no support for the inclusion of frame-size categories in weight-height tables.