The Validity of BMI as an Indicator of Body Fatness and Risk Among Children

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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although the prevalence of childhood obesity, as assessed by BMI (kg/m2), has tripled over the last 3 decades, this index is a measure of excess weight rather than excess body fatness. In this review we focus on the relation of BMI to body fatness and health risks, particularly on the ability of BMI for age ≥95th Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] percentile to identify children who have excess body fatness. We also examine whether these associations differ according to race/ethnicity and whether skinfold and circumference measurements provide additional information on body fatness or health risks.