A new study has revealed that a simple test using a piece of string may be a more accurate way to determine if a child is obese compared to the commonly used body mass index (BMI) method. The study, which looked at 7,000 children in the UK, found that using string to calculate a waist circumference-to-height ratio (WHtR) is better at predicting fat levels.

The research, conducted by scientists, highlighted that the BMI method often fails to distinguish between fat and lean body mass. Dr. Andrew Agbaje of the University of Eastern Finland emphasized the significance of the findings, stating that the waist circumference-to-height ratio could be a more cost-effective tool for identifying excess fat in children and adolescents.

According to the latest data for 2022/23, nearly 10% of children starting in reception were classified as obese, with an additional 12% being overweight. These figures increased in year 6, with more than one in five children classified as obese and 14.3% being overweight.

The study’s findings have sparked a renewed call to move away from the current method of assessing youngsters’ weight. The researchers believe that using the waist circumference-to-height ratio could provide valuable insights for updating childhood obesity guidelines and policy statements in the future.

These results shed light on the importance of accurate methods for identifying obesity in children and adolescents. The use of a simple piece of string to calculate the waist circumference-to-height ratio could potentially revolutionize the way we assess and address childhood obesity.