Fatness‐dependence and utility of the subscapular/triceps ratio

As shown in 1257 children (aged 6–10 years) and in 4065 adults (aged 20–50 years), the subscapular/triceps ratio is fatness dependent. Over a 20 mm range of the iliac skinfold (20–40 mm) the subscapular/triceps ratio increases by approximately 0.01 per mm of iliac fat in women and in children of both sexes and at a slightly lower rate in males. Over the entire range of iliac fatness (through 65 mm) fatness‐related differences in the subscapular/triceps ratio may be as much as 0.60. Though the subscapular/triceps ratio is also an individual characteristic, the fatness‐dependence of the ratio must be taken into consideration when comparing populations or in following individuals who are not fatness‐stable.