OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study investigates the correlation between the body mass index and the fat distribution anthropometric indices in adults and the elderly. METHODS: Upon ambulatory visits to the Medical School Hospital of the Federal University of Bahia (Salvador, Bahia, Brazil), 634 male and female patients (316 adults and 318 elderly subjects) were measured individually, to determine weight, height, triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses, and waist and hip circumferences, according to Lohman's guidelines, 1988. Pearson's correlation test was used to get the correlation, in this sample, between body mass index and fat distribution anthropometric indices. RESULTS: The correlations between body mass index and waist in both age groups for male were: adults (r = 0.93; p<0.001) and elderly (r = 0.89; p<0.001). For the female groups, these correlations were: adults (r = 0.93; p<0.001) and elderly (r = 0.86; p<0.001). The correlation between body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio was smaller, but statistically significant, between these groups: thus, for male adults (r = 0.64; p<0.001) and elderly (r = 0.63; p<0.001); and for female adults (r = 0.66; p<0.001) and elderly (r = 0.34; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Body mass index was found to correlate strongly and positively with waist circumference in both age groups, for both genders. Though statistically significant, Body mass index showed a weaker correlation with waist-to-hip ratio, primarily in the elderly women's group.
adult; anthropometry; aged; body mass index
