A comparative analysis of BMI and skinfold measurements in the assessment of body composition parameters.

BMI significantly correlated with the sum of skinfold thicknesses and mid-upper-arm circumference in UAE children.

• Statistical tests used included Pearson's correlation, partial correlations, and concordance coefficient.
• Despite significant correlation, BMI and MUAC were not concordant with the sum of 4 skinfold thicknesses.
• The study included 19,960 children (9,646 boys and 10,314 girls) aged 0–18 years.
• At least 200 children were included in each age-sex group.

The prevalence of obesity and overweight in ages 13–17 years differed between females and males in the UAE.

• Obesity prevalence in ages 13–17 years was 9.94% in females and 6.08% in males.
• Overweight prevalence in ages 13–17 years was 15.16% in females and 14.16% in males.
• These estimates were derived from a cross-sectional study of UAE children aged 0–18 years.
• The total sample size was 19,960 children across different age groups and both sexes.

Derived body fat percentage charts calculated from skinfold measurements were found not to be accurate.

• Percentage body fat was derived from skinfold thickness measurements.
• The study aimed to determine whether BMI and MUAC could be used to measure body fatness.
• The derived body fat charts were evaluated against skinfold-based measures of adiposity.
• Despite derivation attempts, the resulting percentage body fat charts were deemed inaccurate.

The sum of four skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac) provides a more accurate measure of adiposity than BMI or MUAC in UAE children.

• Four skinfold sites were measured: biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac.
• BMI and MUAC were not concordant with the sum of 4 skinfold thicknesses as assessed by concordance coefficient.
• Height, weight, four skinfold measurements, and mid-upper-arm circumference were collected from each child.
• The study population comprised 19,960 children aged 0–18 years in the United Arab Emirates.

National growth charts for BMI, upper-arm circumference, and sum of four skinfolds were constructed as a reference standard for the UAE population.

• Charts were constructed using the LMS smoothing method.
• Charts were developed for BMI, upper-arm circumference, sum of four skinfolds, and percentage body fat.
• The study used a cross-sectional design with data collected across different age groups (0–18 years) and both sexes.
• A minimum of 200 children per age-sex group were included to ensure adequate sample sizes.
• These UAE-specific growth charts are intended to enable better assessment of childhood obesity.