Developing better ways to measure body fat in children

Improving assessments of body fatness, overweight and obesity in UK children and adolescents of different ethnic origins (Mr Mohammed Hudda)

Childhood obesity is a major UK public health challenge. The way that children are measured is vital in keeping track of the problem, and in monitoring the success or failure of attempts to address it. The most widely used measure of body fat is body mass index (BMI), but it can be inaccurate, particularly in children. Better standard measures of body fat are therefore needed. Dr Claire Nightingale believes that simple measurements of weight and height, waist circumference, skinfold thickness and/or bioelectrical impedance (a non-invasive test of the make-up of the body) would provide a better assessment of childhood body fat. In this project they will develop, evaluate and compare these body fatness markers with the current standard measure of BMI. They will also assess how the markers relate to indicators of heart health and diabetes in different ethnic groups. The project will lay the ground for more accurate ways for children to be measured, which will enable health professionals to identify and help children who need support. It will also inform how these measurements could help to predict the risk of heart disease and diabetes in childhood or later life.