Body shape and size in 6-year old children: Assessment by three-dimensional photonic scanning

L. P. Santos, K. K. Ong, F. Day, J. C K Wells, A. Matijasevich, I. S. Santos, C. G. Victora, A. J D Barros

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background:Body shape and size are typically described using measures such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, which predict disease risks in adults. However, this approach may underestimate the true variability in childhood body shape and size.Objective:To use a comprehensive three-dimensional photonic scan approach to describe variation in childhood body shape and size.Subjects/Methods:At age 6 years, 3350 children from the population-based 2004 Pelotas birth cohort study were assessed by three-dimensional photonic scanner, traditional anthropometry and dual X-ray absorptiometry. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on height and 24 photonic scan variables (circumferences, lengths/widths, volumes and surface areas).Results:PCA identified four independent components of children's body shape and size, which we termed: Corpulence, Central:peripheral ratio, Height and arm lengths, and Shoulder diameter. Corpulence showed strong correlations with traditional anthropometric and body composition measures (r>0.90 with weight, BMI, waist circumference and fat mass; r>0.70 with height, lean mass and bone mass); in contrast, the other three components showed weak or moderate correlations with those measures (all r

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1012-1017
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Journal of Obesity
Volume40
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

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