In order to evaluate variation in body fatness by category of frame si
ze (small, medium, and large) during growth, a sample of 7,286 Cuban c
hildren and adolescents (3,721 males, 3,565 females) 5-20 years was su
rveyed. Fatness was estimated from skinfold thicknesses at four sites:
subscapular, triceps, suprailiac, and posterior calf. Elbow breadth w
as used as an estimate of frame size. Generally, the larger the frame
size, the greater the amount of subcutaneous fat regardless of age and
sex. The results suggest that in the assessment of obesity and its as
sociated risk, in children and youth, frame size, given by categories
of elbow breadth, should be taken into account. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, I
nc.