Variation in adult body dimensions in relation to economic condition among the Mahishyas of Howrah district, West Bengal, India.

The body dimensions of adults in three economic subgroups of the Mahishya caste population of Chakpota village, Howrah district, West Bengal, India, were studied. In both sexes, with the decline in economic condition values of body size measurements, skinfold thickness, body fat and anthropometric indices decrease, with the exception of the ponderal index, the value of which increases. The sex difference in height increases with increasing economic status. The correlation between weight and height is highest in the low economic subgroups.