Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 July 2008
The results of measurements of triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses in over 7000 businessmenare presented. Mean subscapular skinfold thickness, taken just below the point of the right shoulder blade, increases, while mean triceps skinfold thickness, taken at the outer side of the upper arm, decreases with age. The evidence suggests that the increase in the subscapular skinfold thickness is a reflection of the increase in weight with age when adjusted for height; on the other hand, the fall in triceps skinfold thickness in the older age groups may be due to a cohort effect. The inference, that the subscapular measurement or perhaps the difference between the two measurements are better indications of obesity in middle-aged businessmen than the triceps measurement, is supported by other published data.