Differences in body composition between Singapore Chinese, Beijing Chinese and Dutch children.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) in children of different ethnic background.


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study.


METHODS
The study was performed in three different locations, Singapore, Beijing and Wageningen (The Netherlands).


METHODS
In each centre 25 boys and 25 girls, aged 7-12 y, were selected. They were matched on age, sex and body height.


METHODS
Body weight and body height was measured following standardized procedures. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight/height squared (kg/m(2)). Body fat was measured by densitometry in Beijing and Wageningen and by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in Singapore. The DXA measurements in Singapore were validated against densitometry.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in BF% or BMI within each gender group across the three study sites. However, after controlling for (non-significant) differences in age and BF%, the Singapore children had a lower (mean+/-s.e.) BMI (15.6+/-0.3) than the Beijing 17.6+/-0.3) and Wageningen (16.9+/-0.3) children. For the same BMI, age and sex the Singapore children had a significant higher BF% (24.6+/-0.7) than the Beijing (19.2+/-0.8) and Wageningen (20.3+/-0.7) children.


CONCLUSIONS
The study strongly suggests that the relationship between BF% and BMI (or weight and height) is different among children of different ethnic background. Consequently growth charts and BMI cut-off points for underweight, overweight and obesity in children may have to be ethnic-specific.
Deurenberg
P
P
University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. padeu@singnet.com.sg
Deurenberg-Yap
M
M
Foo
L F
LF
Schmidt
G
G
Wang
J
J
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000273:Adipose Tissue; D044466:Asian People; D001823:Body Composition; D001824:Body Constitution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology*; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003720:Densitometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D012846:Singapore; D044465:White People