Bohlen, AB; Vitzthum, K; Mache, S; Quarcoo, D; Scutaru, C; Groneberg, DA. 2010. Scientometric Analysis of the BMI. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 48 (11): 1285-1292

[Eugene Garfield]

Bohlen, AB; Vitzthum, K; Mache, S; Quarcoo, D; Scutaru, C; Groneberg, DA. 
2010. Scientometric Analysis of the BMI. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR 
GASTROENTEROLOGIE 48 (11): 1285-1292.

Author Full Name(s): Bohlen, A. B.; Vitzthum, K.; Mache, S.; Quarcoo, D.; 
Scutaru, C.; Groneberg, D. A.
Language: German
Document Type: Article

Author Keywords: colorectal cancer; intestine; stomach
KeyWords Plus: BODY-MASS INDEX; DISEASE RISK-FACTORS; 
CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS; CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE; WAIST 
CIRCUMFERENCE; CANCER-MORTALITY; FAT DISTRIBUTION; HEART-DISEASE; 
FOLLOW-UP; OBESITY

Abstract: Background: The connection between overweight and health risks 
has been known since the beginning of the 19th century. In order to define 
overweight, the "body mass index" (BMI) in kg/m(2) was introduced.
Methods: The present study evaluates the quantity and quality of the 
published literature available, and its changes over the years. Basic 
bibliographic methods and recent visualizing techniques were used in order to 
analyse and categorise research in the field of the BMI. The data were 
extracted from "ISI Web of Science" by Thomson Reuters beginning from 1900 
to 2008 by defined search terms.
Results: There are 63,845 articles on the subject available. It shows, that the 
number of annual publications is increasing continuously, starting in 1972. The 
bibliometric methods and the application of density equalising maps reveal 
global research productivity and citation activity with emphasis on the USA.
Conclusion: The present study supplies a first bibliometric approach to visualise 
research activity in the field of BMI. Furthermore, it provides data that can be 
used for the identification of research clusters and to locate regions where 
more research needs to be done. Despite the controversial discussion, the 
analysed data suggest that the BMI is still an important, simple, and 
inexpensive measure for the assessment of the nutritional status that comes to 
a worldwide use.

Addresses: [Bohlen, A. B.; Vitzthum, K.; Mache, S.; Quarcoo, D.; Scutaru, C.; 
Groneberg, D. A.] Free Univ Berlin, Charite Univ Med, Inst Arbeitsmed, D-14195 
Berlin, Germany; [Bohlen, A. B.; Vitzthum, K.; Mache, S.; Quarcoo, D.; Scutaru, 
C.; Groneberg, D. A.] Humboldt Univ, D-1086 Berlin, Germany; [Vitzthum, K.; 
Mache, S.; Scutaru, C.; Groneberg, D. A.] Hannover Med Sch, Klin Pneumol, D-
30623 Hannover, Germany

Reprint Address: Vitzthum, K, Free Univ Berlin, Charite Univ Med, Inst 
Arbeitsmed, Thielallee 69-73, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.

E-mail Address: karin.vitzthum at charite.de
ISSN: 0044-2771
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1245531
fulltext: https://www.thieme-
connect.com/ejournals/abstract/zfg/doi/10.1055/s-0029-1245531