The obesity index (OI) is the best index for obesity, since it is independent of height provided height and weight are linearly related (Lee et al). By studying different populations it is possible to generate different "p" values that reflect variation racial characteristics in height and weight, thus allowing for the comparison of different populations.
obesity index =
= (weight in pounds) / ((height in inches) ^ (p value for race and gender))
= (2.2 * (weight in kg)) / ((0.3937 * (height in cm)) ^ (p value for race and gender))
where
• 2.2 is the conversion factor for pound to kilograms
• 0.3937 is the conversion of centimeters to inches (= 1 / 2.54)
• The p value is derived from observed weight-height data for a given gender and population. The p values are higher for males than females.
p values for Race and Gender
Racial Group
Male
Female
Caucasian
1.65
1.18
Japanese
2.03
1.38
Chinese
2.09
1.33
Filipino
1.69
1.19
Hawaiian
1.95
1.59
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