The Ponderal Index is a measure used to identify abnormalities of weight relative to development. It is of the form (H / W ^(1/3)). This is not a satisfactory index for obesity.
ponderal index =
= (height in inches) / (cube root (body weight in pounds))
= 0.30285 * (height in centimeters) / (cube root (body weight in kilograms)
where:
• 0.30285 is the conversion factor for inches and centimeters (0.3937) divided by the cube root of the conversion factor for pounds and kilograms (2.2)
Limitations:
• The main disadvantage is that it is negatively related to body weight (so that it decreases with increasing obesity).
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