Estimating body surface area from mass and height: theory and the formula of Du Bois and Du Bois

Annals of Human Biology
Richard F Burton

Abstract

Body surface areas are usually estimated by means of a formula due in its general form to Du Bois and Du Bois (1916), i.e. area = C x mass(a) x height(b), where C, a and b are empirical constants. Its physical basis is unknown. The present study aimed to explain this formula, correct some errors in the associated literature and provide a clear basis for future developments. Use is made of published data, but arguments are largely based on mathematics and modelling. A more fundamental formula is as follows: area = alpha(mass x height)(1/2) + beta(mass/height), where alpha and beta are constants. For realistic values of mass and height the two equations are numerically equivalent. For individuals, beta cannot be negative and b cannot exceed a, but, as regression parameters, these conditions may not be satisfied. This could be due to systematic or statistical relationships between individual values of alpha or beta and the ratio height(3)/mass. Values of alpha, beta, C, a and b are calculated for some published data. The original type of formula suffices for practical purposes, but the new one is better in analytical contexts when other terms, e.g. for body shape, are to be incorporated.

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Citations

Jun 30, 2009·Néphrologie & thérapeutique·Pierre DelanayeJean-Marie Krzesinski
Mar 31, 2012·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Nathan DaniellGrant Tomkinson
Nov 5, 2014·Experimental Dermatology·Mogbekeloluwa O DansoJoke A Bouwstra
May 9, 2019·Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH·Robert A CanalesKelly A Reynolds
Oct 27, 2009·Annals of Human Biology·Richard F Burton, Noël Cameron
Sep 7, 2013·American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology·Ryan L McKimmieRichard B Weinberg
Apr 1, 2020·ASAIO Journal : a Peer-reviewed Journal of the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs·Zihui TanFlorian Falter
Aug 4, 2021·The Journal of Maternal-fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians·Ilenia MappaGiuseppe Rizzo
Aug 19, 2021·Liver Transplantation : Official Publication of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the International Liver Transplantation Society·John R MontgomeryChristopher J Sonnenday

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