Besides BMI percentile, which measurement helps assess central adiposity and metabolic risk in youth?

• A. Waist circumference percentiles (and waist-to-height ratio).
• B. Arm circumference
• C. Skinfold thickness at the triceps
• D. Hip circumference

Answer: (B)

Central adiposity is a key driver of metabolic risk in youth, sometimes more telling than overall weight, because fat stored around the abdomen is more closely linked to insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk. To capture this distribution, waist measurements are used. Waist circumference percentiles, which account for age and sex, provide a direct read on abdominal fat burden. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) offers a simple, height-adjusted index that correlates with health risk across many ages, making it a practical tool in pediatric screening.

Arm circumference doesn’t specifically reflect visceral or central fat, and skinfold thickness at the triceps estimates subcutaneous fat rather than where fat is most metabolically active. Hip circumference measures gluteofemoral fat and isn’t as informative about central adiposity or metabolic risk.

So, measuring waist circumference percentiles (and using waist-to-height ratio) best assesses central adiposity and associated metabolic risk in youth.