title: The timing of the rise in U.S. obesity varies with measure of fatness.
abstract: There are several ways to measure fatness and obesity, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The primary measure for tracking the prevalence of obesity has historically been body mass index (BMI). This paper compares long-run trends in the prevalence of obesity when obesity is defined using skinfold thickness instead of BMI, using data from the full series of U.S. National Health Examination Surveys. The results indicate that when one uses skinfold thickness rather than BMI to define obesity, the rise in the prevalence of obesity is detectable 10-20 years earlier. This underscores the importance of examining multiple measures of fatness when monitoring or otherwise studying obesity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, MVR Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
authors.forename: Richard V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Burkhauser
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cawley
authors.forename: Maximilian D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Schmeiser
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001837:Body Weights and Measures / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult