Background/Aims: Although a variety of classical body measurements have been used to assess adiposity, it is still uncertain which is the best indicator to predict effects arising from the accumulation of body fat (BF) in the elderly. The objective of this study was to analyze different classical anthropometric and body composition measurements and their potential for predicting metabolic syndrome (MS) in elderly women. Methods: There were 113 women (60–83 years old) participating in the study, all of whom had their anthropometric, biochemical, hemodynamic and health conditions evaluated. Statistical analysis consisted of correlation coefficient and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and calculation of the area under the curve. Results: The waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference correlated with three (hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and low concentrations of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol) of the seven cardiometabolic risk factors studied. Body mass index, BF, percentage of BF, and the sum of skinfolds were less related to metabolic risk factors. Among the indicators used to characterize central adiposity, WHR was the index that showed the greatest area under the ROC curve. Conclusions: It is suggested that the WHR, an indicator of abdominal adiposity, should be incorporated into the identification of risk of MS in elderly women.

Keywords:
Body composition, Anthropometry, Adiposity, Elderly, Metabolic syndrome
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