Abstract
Our aim was to identify the best anthropometric index associated with waist adiposity. The six weight-status indices included body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHTR), and a new waist-by-height0.5 ratio (WHT.5R). The association between three waist skinfolds and the six anthropometric indices was conducted using ANCOVA, MANCOVA, allometric modelling and non-linear regression. The strongest predictors of waist adiposity were (1st) WHT.5R, (2nd) WHTR, (3rd) waist circumference (WC), (4th) BMI, (5th) WHR, and lastly (6th) a body shape index ABSI = WC/(BMI2/3 * height1/2). The allometric and non-linear regression analyses identified the optimal waist-to-height ratio associated with waist adiposity to be (waist * height -0.6). The 95% confidence intervals of the height exponents encompassed -0.5 but excluded -1.0 assumed by WHTR. Assuming that excess waist adiposity is an important cardiovascular risk factor, we recommend that the new WHT.5R be used to advise people how to maintain a “healthy” weight.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 15-26 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Research in Sports Medicine: An International Journal |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 25 Jul 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2 Jan 2020 |
Keywords
- Allometric models
- abdominal skinfolds
- healthy weight
- waist-to-height ratios
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation