Skip to Main Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit an ETD
Global Search Box
Need Help?
Keyword Search
Participating Institutions
Advanced Search
School Logo
Files
File List
Edward_Kelley_Final Masters Thesis.pdf (832.95 KB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
Comparative Analysis of Obesity Classification Methods in Aging Adults
Author Info
Kelley, Edward T., II
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1429283749
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2015, Master of Education (MEd), Bowling Green State University, Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies /Kinesiology.
Abstract
In the United States over 82 million Americans, or approximately 26% of the population, are aged 50 and older. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimate the prevalence of obesity in this group to be 32.6%. However, most healthcare providers rely upon Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference (WC) as indicators of obesity-related health risks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of BMI and WC as indicators of obesity status and risk for associated health concerns (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia). Subjects were 60 healthy males (n=22) and females (n=38) aged 50 and older (59.9±7.9 yrs.). Height and weight measurements were assessed via stadiometer and calibrated electronic scale; BMI was calculated as kg/m2 (M: 28.8±5.3 kg/m2; F:. 26.4±6.3 kg/m2). WC was measured using a Gulick tape at two anatomical points; narrowest waist (WCN)(M: 91.3±6.8cm ; F: 83.6±12.7cm ) and level with the umbilicus (WCU)(M: 102.0±7.5cm; F: 91.1±13.6cm). Each participant completed body composition analysis via air-displacement plethysmography (ADP)(M: 28.3±6.3%; F: 36.2±8.5%). Percent fat estimated by ADP (%fat) was used as the criterion measure of body composition in this investigation. All participants met pretesting requirements (e.g., no food, water, or exercise for 2 hours) to ensure accuracy. Based on NIH-accepted BMI and WC classifications, 26 (6M, 20F) participants were classified as normal weight, 13 (7M, 6F) as overweight and 21 (9M, 12F) as obese using BMI. WCN resulted in 40 (16M, 24F) participants classified as having healthy levels of abdominal fat and 20 (6M, 14F) classified as having unhealthy levels, while WCU resulted in 31 (13M, 18F) participants classified as having healthy levels and 29 (9M, 20F) as having unhealthy levels of abdominal fat. Using %fat via ADP, 29 (7M, 22F) participants were classified as normal weight, 9 (4M, 5F) as overweight, and 22 (11M, 11F) as obese using sex-specific cut-points (Gallagher et al., 2000). Sensitivity was calculated comparing BMI and WCN/WCU to %fat classification. Overall, the sensitivity of BMI in properly identifying men and women at risk for obesity-related health concerns was 0.90. Sensitivity values for WCN and WCU were inconsistent between sexes (WCN: 0.40M, 0.91F; WCU: 0.70M, 1.00F). Based on this investigation, using BMI to estimate obesity-related health risk in men and women over the age of 50 years provided accurate classifications. However, based on WC results, a potential sex difference was found. These findings indicate the need for further research to explore the use of WC at both anatomical points when identifying obesity-related health risk. In practice, this investigation found that BMI was the best indicator of obesity and obesity-related health risk in adults over the age of 50.
Committee
Amy L. Morgan, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Mary-Jon Ludy, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Lynn Darby, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Pages
84 p.
Subject Headings
Kinesiology
Keywords
body composition
;
body mass index
;
waist circumference
;
aging
Recommended Citations
Refworks
EndNote
RIS
Mendeley
Citations
Kelley, II, E. T. (2015).
Comparative Analysis of Obesity Classification Methods in Aging Adults
[Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1429283749
APA Style (7th edition)
Kelley, II, Edward.
Comparative Analysis of Obesity Classification Methods in Aging Adults.
2015. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1429283749.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Kelley, II, Edward. "Comparative Analysis of Obesity Classification Methods in Aging Adults." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1429283749
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
Abstract Footer
Document number:
bgsu1429283749
Download Count:
924
Copyright Info
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.