The weight-height ratio is the simplest index relating weight and height. It is of the form (W / H). It is an acceptable index of obesity but only for comparison within a specific population. It is sometimes referred to as the Broca index.
weight-height ratio =
= (weight in pounds) / (height in inches)
= 5.588 * (weight in kilograms) / (height in cms)
where:
• 5.588 is conversion of kilograms to pounds (2.2) divided by the conversion of centimeters to inches (0.3937)
Limitations:
• While the index is highly correlated with weight, it is unsatisfactory since it is positively correlated with height. It may underestimate the amount of obesity among short as compared with tall women.
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