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Abstract
Body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) are commonly used measures
of adiposity in clinical and epidemiologic studies. The 85th and 95th percentiles
of BMI and TSF are often used operationally to define obesity and superobesity, respectively.
Race-specific and population-based 85th and 95th percentiles of BMI and TSF for people
aged 6-74 y were generated from anthropometric data gathered in the National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey 1 (NHANES I). The complex sample design of the survey
is reflected in the reference values presented. Racial differences in these extremes
of the distribution do not emerge until adulthood. Researchers may choose population-based,
race-specific, or age-specific criteria for obesity on the basis of assumptions underlying
their specific research questions.
[1
] From the Epidemiology Program and the Division of Biostatistics, USDA Human Nutrition
Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, and Tufts New England Medical Center,
Boston.