[Assessing obesity in children and adolescents].

Measuring body composition allows medical professionals to assess body growth and the status of various diseases. Various measurement methods are available to clinical and research to define obesity in children and adolescents. The aims of this paper were to exam the application, reliability, and validity of these methods and their current use in Taiwan in order to help ensure that obesity in children and adolescents is being assessed accurately and consistently. Measurement approaches may be categorized into laboratory and field methods. Field methods include weight-for-height indexes and fat distribution, which define total and central obesity and assess body fat level. These methods present limitations in use and have yet to be standardized in application. Healthcare professionals must better understand these methods to assess obesity in children and adolescents in order to recommend and implement appropriate prevention regimens.