The Metropolitan Height-Weight Tables: perspectives for use
Robinett-Weiss, N.; Hixson, M.L.; Keir, B.; Sieberg, J.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 84(12): 1480-1481
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 6501760 Document Number: 229895
A review of the 1959 vs. the 1983 Metropolitan height-weight tables is discussed with regard to differences and similarities. This review points out that, regardless of which set of tables are used, the weight ranges given should be recognized as gross estimates of weight ranges associated with the greatest longevity and lowest mortality and may not be the ranges associated with minimum morbidity or lowest disease risk. The important concept of % body fat also may be overlooked in using the tables, and they, further, do not represent the total population (elderly are not represented; specific racial groups are under-represented). (wz)