Descriptive anthropometric reference data for older Americans.
OBJECTIVE
To present selected anthropometric data derived from adults aged 60 years and older examined in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).


METHODS
NHANES III used a complex, stratified, multistage, probability cluster sample design to obtain a nationally representative sample of the US civilian, noninstitutionalized population. Persons aged 60 years and older, Mexican-Americans, and African-Americans were oversampled to produce more reliable estimates for these groups. Trained technicians measured height, weight, skinfold thickness, and circumferences using standardized procedures.


METHODS
A total of 5,700 persons aged 60 years and older, and 1,861 persons aged 50 to 59 years.


METHODS
Mean and selected percentiles for body weight, body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, mid upper arm circumference, and arm muscle circumference were calculated by gender, race/ethnicity, and 3 age categories. Weight (lb) per height (in) tables were generated for men and women by age group.


RESULTS
Mean body weight was lowest for persons aged 80 years and older. A decline in body mass index occurred that paralleled the direction and magnitude of the progressive decrease observed in weight. Muscle loss with increasing age, as indicated by arm muscle circumference, appeared to be greater among men than women.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to being relatively simple, quick, and inexpensive, anthropometry is the most reliable and specific indicator of malnutrition in the older adult population. The cross-sectional reference data provided can be used by dietitians to interpret anthropometric measurements of persons aged 60 years and older.
Kuczmarski
M F
MF
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Delaware, Newark 19716, USA.
Kuczmarski
R J
RJ
Najjar
M
M
D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry; D001132:Arm; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D012016:Reference Values; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*