health

The diagnosis of childhood obesity may be based on the CDC body
mass index tables for children and adolescents or on other measurements.
One common test involves measuring the thickness of the skin
fold over the triceps muscle on the upper arm, although this measurement
may not be accurate unless performed by a trained technician.
Another test involves measuring the child’s waist circumference at its
widest point, usually at or just below the belly button. If the waist measurement
is above the 90th percentile for the child’s age and sex, the
child is at increased risk of type 2 diabetes and the health complications
that accompany it.