[Body mass index. Reference values for 0-45-year-old Danes].

INTRODUCTION

Our aim was to establish body mass index (weight/height2 [kg/m2], BMI) reference values for 0- to 45-year-old Danes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A national sample that was used to generate the current Danish height and weight reference (29,106 measurements in 1965-1977; age 0-21 years; sample I). Four samples from Copenhagen (3391 measurements in 1981-1985; age 7-45 years; samples II and III and 2608 measurements in 1991-1994; age 6-45 years; samples IV and V). With the LMS method for smoothing the curves, Danish BMI reference values by age and sex were constructed from samples I and II. BMI values from two recently examined, but smaller, Danish cohorts (samples IV and V) were compared with the reference values to assess the secular trend in BMI.

RESULTS

The Danish BMI reference values are presented graphically. Graphs can be downloaded from http://www.paediatri.dk. In the more recently examined samples, the mean BMI was significantly increased in children and adolescents (SD score 0.19, P = 0.0007), but unchanged in young adults (SD score 0.01, P = 0.49).

DISCUSSION

For clinical purposes, we recommend comparison of the BMI of Danish children and adolescents with the present Danish reference values and new internationally based cut-off values. The BMI of Danish adults should be compared with the WHO cut-off values. Cut-off values or national or internationally used BMI reference values can be used for research, depending on the purpose.