The use and interpretation of ponderal index and other weight-height ratios in epidemiological studies

ABSTRACT

Criteria for an index of weight corrected for height are presented and used to investigate, both theoretically and practically, the properties of three weight-height ratios weight/height, weight height 2 and ponderal index. The data on height, weight and skinfold thickness used in the analysis were collected during the fourth examination of the Framingham study. Based on the criterion that the ratio should be independent of height, the best of the three proposed ratios depends on the value of the intercept and the coefficient of the regression of weight on height for the population under consideration. The most likely best ratio in Western male populations is weight /height2 and it seems probable that in Western female populations it is weight/height the least likely for both sexes is ponderal index. Evidence is also given to show that all three indices are poor measures of adiposity (Summary)