Waist Circumference and Waist-to-Height Ratio in Hong Kong Chinese Children
Author Information
Author(s): Sung Rita YT, So Hung-Kwan, Choi Kai-Chow, Nelson Edmund AS, Li Albert M, Yin Jane AT, Kwok Charlotte WL, Ng Pak-Cheung, Fok Tai-Fai
Primary Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
The study aims to provide age- and sex-specific reference values for waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in Hong Kong Chinese children.
Conclusion
Reference values and percentile curves for waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio of Chinese children and adolescents are provided, indicating that waist circumference is a more convenient method for estimating central fat than waist-to-height ratio.
Supporting Evidence
- Waist circumference is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than overall body fat.
- Waist-to-height ratio has been proposed as an alternative measure but is not independent of age.
- Both waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio are age dependent.
Takeaway
This study looked at how waist size and waist-to-height ratio can help us understand if kids are at risk for health problems. It found that measuring waist size is easier and more helpful.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study with a large representative sample of children aged 6 to 18 years, using descriptive statistics and smoothed percentile curves.
Potential Biases
Non-participation reasons were not recorded, making it unclear if it led to systematic bias.
Limitations
7% of primary and 10% of secondary school students declined to participate, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6 to 18 years, with a sample of 7472 boys and 7370 girls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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