Correlation of Anthropometric Measures Among Obese and Severely Obese Adolescents and Young Adults

Anthropometric measures beyond the basic weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) calculation, such as skinfold thicknesses and arm circumference, are valuable assessments of adiposity in normal weight populations. However, they are difficult and time-consuming to obtain. This study investigates the correlations between anthropometric variables to determine the utility of obtaining measures beyond weight and height among obese and severely obese Hispanic adolescents. Data from anthropometric measurements of 58 obese and severely obese Hispanic females aged 14 to 24 years were analyzed. Weight, height, BMI, arm circumference, average deltoid skinfold thickness, and average triceps skinfold thickness measures were compared. Correlations were determined between obese (30 kg/m2 ≥ BMI < 40 kg/m2) and severely obese (40 kg/m2 ≥ BMI <52 kg/m2 ) subjects. There were significant differences between the obese and severely obese groups for weight, BMI, arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness. However, significant correlations between almost all anthropometric variables existed in the severely obese group versus only one correlation between 2 types of skinfold measurements in the obese group. These data indicate that obtaining anthropometric measures beyond weight and height, including skinfold thickness, reveal no additional, clinically useful information among severely obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) adolescent patients. These findings predict a valuable economy of time and effort obtaining anthropometrical data in future studies on the severely obese.