Body mass index and body fatness in childhood

Purpose of review The prevalence of overweight, as assessed by a high body mass index (kg/m2), has greatly increased among children and adolescents over the last three decades. Because body mass index is a measure of excess weight rather than excess body fatness, it is important to understand the ability of a high level to identify children who truly have excess adiposity. This review covers the measurement and classification of overweight and...