In kids 8-17, these body measurements are much better at predicting heart/metabolic risks in overweight or obese children than in those with normal weight, with stronger links in the higher weight groups.
Scientific Claim
The strength of association between BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio with clustered cardiometabolic risk is significantly stronger in overweight and obese children compared to normal-weight peers, with regression coefficients for composite risk scores up to 0.51 in overweight/obese boys versus 0.13 in normal-weight boys.
Original Statement
“For normal weight participants standardized regression coefficients ranged from 0.09 (WHtR) to 0.13 (BMI) in boys and from 0.05 (WHtR, non-significant) to 0.13 (BMI) in girls. For overweight and obese participants the associations were greater in magnitude; coefficients ranging from 0.47 (BMI) to 0.51 (WC) in boys and from 0.40 (WHtR) to 0.45 (WC).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study is observational, so 'stronger association' correctly describes the relationship without implying causation.