Is it worth considering replacing body mass index z scores with the more accurate and easier-to-use tri-ponderal mass index to screen for obesity and overweight status in children and adolescents? The current article aims to discuss if there is a better screening tool than body mass index z scores to estimate percent body fat in children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years. A large international effort is underway to reduce childhood obesity in response to increasing rates of obesity among children and adolescents. Accurate classification of excess body fat is central to these efforts.
As of 2017, body mass index (BMI), calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, is used worldwide to screen for obesity. Body mass index is based on the finding that adult body weight is proportional to height squared. However, during adolescent development, weight is not…
