Anthropometric measurements

Background information

EHES Training material

BMI and abdominal obesity

• Height and weight are used to calculate BMI, an indicator of obesity• BMI=weight (kg)/ height (m)2

• Waist circumference is an indicator of abdominal obesity

Classification of BMI

Classification BMI

Underweight < 18.5

Normal weight 18.5 – 24.99

Overweight ≥ 25

Obese ≥ 30

Waist circumference, cut-points for abdominal obesity:

> 102 cm for men> 88 cm for women

Obesity as a risk factor

Fundamental causes for obesity and overweight

• An energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended

• Sedentary lifestyle• Lack of physical activity, irregular sleep patterns

• Unhealthy diet and eating habits• E.g. increased intake of fat, salt and sugars• Irregular eating patterns

• Health behavior changes due to environmental and societal changes

Other causes for obesity and overweight • Some medications

• E.g. antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, steroids and beta blockers

• Some medical problems• E.g. hypothyreosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.

• Genetic factors

Reporting bias• People may not know their current height and

weight• Self-reported height is usually overestimated by

1.5 cm• Self-reported weight is usually underestimated by

1-1.5 kg• Obese people underestimate their weight more

than people with normal weight

Gender differences • Women underestimate their weight more than

men• Men overestimate their height more than

women

Acknowledgements• Slides: Hanna Tolonen, Päivikki Koponen,

Johanna Mäki-Opas