J Korean Pediatr Soc.  1996 Jun;39(6):773-779.

Studies on the Distribution of Percentiles of Skinfold Thickness and Body Mass Index among Adolescents in Seoul

• Ko JS
• Ahn KM
• Choe YH
• Choi EH
• Choi Y
• Ahn YO

Abstract

PURPOSE
With development of socioeconomic status, the prevelance of adolesecnt obesity, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is increasing. Skinfold and body mass index are indirectly used measurement of obesity in clinical and epidemiologic studies. Triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold and body mass index were measured in adolescents aged 12 to 17. Percentile values by age and sex and correlation between skinfold and body mass index were determined.
METHODS
We examined 2114 adolescents aged 12 to 17 in Seoul between 1992 and 1993. Triceps skinfold and subscapular skinfold were measured. Body mass index was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by square of height in meters.
RESULTS
1) The 50th percentile of triceps skinfold in males was 10.8mm at 12 year, 9.3mm at 17 year and decreased with age. The 50th percentile of triceps skinfold in females was 14.0mm at 12 year, 19.9mm at 17 year and increased with age. Females had greater values than males. 2) The 50th percentile of subscapular skinfold in males was 7.8mm at 12year, 10.4mm at 17 year and increased with age. The 50th percentile of subscapular skinfold in females was 11.8mm at 12 year, 19.0mm at 17 year and increased with age. Females had greater values than males. 3) The 50th percentile of body mass index in males was 18.5 at 12 year and 21.1 at 17 year. The 50th percentile of body mass index was 18.5 at 12 year and 20.3 at 17 year. 4) Pearson correlations between body mass index and triceps skinfold were 0.76 in males and females. Pearson correlations between body mass index and subscapualar skinfold were 0.80 in males and 0.81 in females. In females, correlations decreased with age. 5) Our data exceeded triceps skinfold in 1982 and body mass index of USA in 1974.
CONCLUSIONS
Percentiles of skinfold thickness and body mass index may be used to monitor skinfold and body mass index of adolescents longitudinally and for comparing an individual with others of the same sex and age. Body mass index correlated highly with skinfold thickness.

Keyword

Adolescents; Obesity; Tnceps skinfold; Subscapular skinfold; Body mass index

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Body Mass Index*
Cardiovascular Diseases
Epidemiologic Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Obesity
Risk Factors
Seoul*
Skinfold Thickness*
Social Class