Systems and WBANs for Controlling Obesity

Table 2

Comparison of anthropometric measurement methods.

Measurement parameters	Method	Technology	Method-based technology advantages	Method disadvantages	Method advantages
Height and weight	BMI	Digital scale and tape measure	Inexpensive, require minimal training to use, virtually maintenance-free, and repeat values can be obtained with good precision	Not accurate method for assessing body fatness for the individual especially for children	Easy, fast, costless, and noninvasive measurements
Waist circumference	Waist and hip circumferences	Waist and hip tapes	—	—	Costless, noninvasive
Subcutaneous fat layer	Skinfold thickness	Skinfold mechanical calipers	—	Operator dependent and requires well trained person	Costless (10 US$/pair)
	Ultrasound	Scanning devices	Most accurate instruments	Provide the automation of analysis and reduce the operator-dependent errors	Only for clinical use
	Infrared interactance
	Photon backscatter