Best-fit index for describing physical perspectives in Sasang typology

INTRODUCTION: We examined the best-fit index for describing the constitutional or physical characteristics of Sasang typology for its universal application. METHODS: Ponderal index (PI), body mass index (BMI), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) of the nationwide participants (n = 1663; age, 31–60 years) were calculated. We described and analyzed the usefulness of each index for maximizing the differences between Sasang types across age and sex using box plots, Pearson's correlation, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: We found that the So-Eum, So-Yang, and Tae-Eum Sasang types were significantly (p < 0.001) different from each other in terms of PI, BMI, and BMR by the World Health Organization with weight (BMR-WHOw). The BMI was significantly correlated with PI (r = 0.933) and BMR-WHOw (r = 0.577). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These study results show that PI, BMR, and BMI have their own clinical values, and could contribute to the study of the pathophysiological mechanism underlying the Sasang typology as the hypothalamus hypothesis.