Anthropometry and obesity in myelomeningocele.

Anthropometric data on 110 myelomeningocele (MMC) subjects in relation to age, sex, level of lesion and ambulation were studied to investigate growth and the occurrence of obesity in MMC. In 52 subjects, indices of obesity were validated against body composition analysis of total body fat (%BF) using body potassium and body water techniques. Most subjects were short and light compared to reference data and became relatively shorter and heavier with age. Overall trunk growth was not affected by the level of lesion, but sitting height was affected by kyphoscoliosis. Arm spans were similar to reference data, but were significantly greater in wheelchair users. Leg length was greatest in those who walked. Body composition data showed excess adipose in many MMC subjects, this tendency increasing with age. When correlated with %BF determined from body composition analysis, common clinical indices of obesity had variable r values (wt/ht2 0.78; wt/sitting ht2 0.77; upper arm fat area 0.75; triceps skinfold 0.74; wt/arm span2 0.68, with the 4 skinfold method correlating best, 0.82). Anthropometric measures, taken with cognizance of level of disability and mobility, can accurately assess body growth and the occurrence of obesity in MMC. The influence of ambulatory activity in promoting normal growth is emphasized.