Weight,stature, and body mass index data for Mexican Americans from the third national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994)

Selected age- and sex-specific percentiles are presented for 4,054 Mexican American children ages 1–18 years who were included in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994). These percentile values are compared with corresponding percentiles for Mexican Americans from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES, 1982–1984). In each sex, the weight and weight/stature² percentiles from NHANES III were significantly larger than those from HHANES. For weight, the NHANES III values tended to be clearly larger after 11 years in males and females, and they were larger for weight/stature² at the 50th and 90th percentiles in each sex after 6 years. For stature, the NHANES III values were significantly larger at the 90th percentile among females, but the differences were not significant for any other percentiles among females or males. In comparison with non-Hispanic White children, Mexican American children tend to be shorter and heavier, especially after the preschool period. The similarity of the findings for stature from NHANES III and HHANES indicates that the shorter statures of Mexican Americans are not cohort-specific. The tendency to larger values for weight/stature² in Mexican Americans has important public heath implications since this ratio tends to track after early childhood, and high ratios in adulthood constitute an important risk factor for common diseases such as diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 11:673–686, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Decanalization of weight and stature during childhood and adolescence

The probabilities that children and adolescents alter their positions to non-adjacent canals (decanalization) on the current NCHS growth charts have been estimated. In this context, canals are the zones between the major percentile levels (5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th) that are shown on the charts. These probabilities were calculated for one- and 2-year intervals, beginning at each annual age from 3–16 years, using serial data for weight and stature from 329 male and 303 female participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study. The probabilities of particular types of decanalizations, categorized by the initial canal and the direction of the change in relative level (decrease/loss; increase/gain) are presented. The probabilities for 1-year intervals were very low and, therefore, they are not presented. Additionally, probabilities were calculated for transitions from the canal between the 5th and 10th percentiles to the zone below the 5th percentile and from the canal between the 90th and 95th percentiles to the zone above the 95th percentile. Both these transitions are shifts to levels that are outside the normal range, and are more common than decanalization. The probabilities of decanalization and of transitions from the normal range were generally larger for weight than for stature except for transitions from the canal between the 90th and 95th percentiles to the zone beyond the 95th percentile. The probabilities for both weight and stature tended to be larger for changes toward the medians than for changes from the medians. Decanalizations that involved increases in level were significantly related to advanced skeletal maturation at ages younger than the usual age of peak height velocity and to retarded skeletal maturation at ages older than the usual age of peak height velocity. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 10:351–359, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Small for gestational age associated with short stature during adolescence

This study examined the relationship between intrauterine growth retardation and adolescent stature in a sample of 1510 White subjects (754 males and 756 females) who were evaluated at birth and at the ages of 15, 16, and 17 years. The subjects were classified into two groups based on birthweight, small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA), corresponding respectively to values below the 10th, and between the 11th and 99th, percentiles of gestational age and sex. Results showed that boys and girls born prematurely (gestational age < 37 weeks of gestation) attained the same stature as those born at full term (>37 weeks of gestation). In contrast, those born SGA were significantly shorter than their counterparts born AGA. The average reduction in stature was 4.9 cm for males and 2.9 cm for females. When the analysis included adjustments for parental stature (and adolescent's age at menarche for females), the average reduction in stature equaled about 3.5 cm for males and 2.0 cm for females. It is thus concluded that the stature deficit reflects a reduction in growth rate rather than delay in maturation. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Disease-specific Growth Charts of Marfan Syndrome Patients in Korea

Patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) presents with primary skeletal manifestations such as tall stature, chest wall abnormality, and scoliosis. These primary skeletal manifestations affect the growth pattern in MFS. Therefore, it is not appropriate to use normal growth charts to evaluate the growth status of MFS. We aimed to develop disease-specific growth charts for Korean MFS patients and to use these growth charts for understanding the growth patterns in MFS and managing of patients with MFS. Anthropometric data were available from 187 males and 152 females with MFS through a retrospective review of medical records. Disease-specific growth charts were generated and 3, 25, 50, 75, and 97 percentiles were calculated using the LMS (refers to λ, μ, and σ, respectively) smoothing procedure for height and weight. Comparisons between MFS patients and the general population were performed using a one-sample t-test. With regard to the height, the 50th percentile of MFS is above the normative 97th percentile in both genders. With regard to the weight, the 50 percentile of MFS is above the normative 75th percentile in male and between the normative 50th percentile and the 75th percentile in female. The disease-specific growth charts for Korean patients with MFS can be useful for monitoring growth patterns, planning the timing of growth-reductive therapy, predicting adult height and recording responses to growth-reductive therapy.     

Growth charts for cri-du-chat syndrome: an international collaborative study

Low birth weight and slow growth are frequently observed in the patients with cri-du-chat syndrome. To provide a growth reference standard for children with cri-du-chat syndrome, syndrome-specific growth charts have been developed from a combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal measurements on 374 patients from North America, Italy, Australia, and the British Isles. The data were obtained from pediatric records, parent reporting, and personal examinations at national 5p- parent support group meetings in the U.S., Italy, U.K., and Australia. The growth curves include height and weight measurements for patients ages 0 to 18 years and head circumference measurements for patients ages 0 to 15 years. Birth weight was above the 5th percentile of general population in 50% of cases: mean weight 2.8 kg +/- 1.85 SD for males and 2.6 kg +/- 1.51 SD for females. Growth curve medians were usually at or below the 5th centile of reference populations throughout life. The median head circumference falls below the 2nd centile, and this change increases with age. The charts show that compared with the standard population, most children with cri-du-chat syndrome are small at birth and as they grow most, but not all, have significant microcephaly and compromised weight for age, and to a lesser extent, compromised height for age. Am. J. Med. Genet. 94:153-162, 2000.     

Height, weight, and body mass index among Akwesasne Mohawk youth.

Information on the growth of contemporary Native American adolescents is limited. A few studies have shown that Native Americans have growth patterns that may differ from U.S. reference values. We describe basic anthropometric characteristics (height and weight) of Mohawk youth between the ages of 10.0 and 16.99 years from the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Mean height of Akwesasne Mohawk youth approximates the 50th percentile of reference values as determined by the 2000 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts. At every age, weight means of males approximate or exceed the 90th percentile and all mean weights of females approximate the 85th percentile. Akwesasne males are significantly taller than females from age 14 on and significantly heavier at ages 14 and 16. All age-specific BMI means for males are at or above the 90th percentile and females' means are at or above the 85th. The potential for long-term health effects associated with being overweight has implications for the future health of young Native Americans.     

Predicted maximal oxygen consumption of indigenous Siberians

This study presents physical fitness data on two indigenous Siberian populations, the Evenki and Keto. The Canadian Aerobic Test of Fitness (CATF) was utilized to provide estimates of maximal oxygen consumption (V?O₂ max) for a sample of 44 subjects (30 males, 14 females) as baseline data for further studies on changing fitness levels and the health problems associated with acculturation. Estimates of V?O₂ max average 46.2 ml kg^?1 min^?1 for males and 33.9 ml kg^?1 min^?1 for females. These values are comparable to those previously reported for other semisubsistence, cold adapted populations. The Siberian groups are below the Canadian norms in the 15–19 year age range, and thereafter track at about the 50th percentile throughout adulthood. This suggests that the cardiorespiratory systems of adult Evenki and Keto are functionally comparable to the average adult Canadian. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Energetics and population ecology of Siberian herders

Methodological advances now permit human biologists to more effectively monitor energy dynamics in traditional societies. This study examines the nutritional ecology and energetics of semisubsistence herders of Siberia (Evenki) during a single season of their annual cycle (late summer). Total energy expenditure (TEE) among adults, as measured by daily heart-rate monitoring, is greater in Evenki men (TEE = 11.9 ± 2.8 MJ/d in men and 8.8 ± 2.1 MJ/d in women; P < 0.001), a pattern that reflects the current division of labor under collectivized herding systems. Energy intakes are also greater among men (13.4 ± 5.6 vs. 8.5 ± 3.4 MJ/d; P < 0.01), and are, on average, sufficient to meet daily needs in both sexes. The Evenki appear to be in energy balance at the population level during the late summer (per capita energy intake = 9.0 ± 5.5 MJ/person/d; per capita requirements = 8.6 MJ/person/d); however, only small changes in food availability and/or energy expenditure are necessary to shift the population into negative balance during the winter. Primary sources of dietary energy include reindeer meat and other animal products (25–30%), foraged plant foods (10–15%), and nonlocal products (55–65%), such as flour, rice, and sugar. The anthropometric data indicate that the Evenki grow slowly and have small adult body size. Women are relatively heavier and fatter than men, and show a centripetal pattern of fat distribution. Evenki males appear to be undergoing a secular trend in stature, while no such increases are evident in females. These gender differences may reflect the differential impact to the changes associated with collectivization. Reduced metabolic requirements (due to declining activity and fertility levels), along with greater food availability, are likely to be responsible for the higher rates of obesity among Evenki women. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Growth charts for cri‐du‐chat syndrome: An international collaborative study

Low birth weight and slow growth are frequently observed in the patients with cri‐du‐chat syndrome. To provide a growth reference standard for children with cri‐du‐chat syndrome, syndrome‐specific growth charts have been developed from a combination of cross‐sectional and longitudinal measurements on 374 patients from North America, Italy, Australia, and the British Isles. The data were obtained from pediatric records, parent reporting, and personal examinations at national 5p‐ parent support group meetings in the U.S., Italy, U.K., and Australia. The growth curves include height and weight measurements for patients ages 0 to 18 years and head circumference measurements for patients ages 0 to 15 years. Birth weight was above the 5th percentile of general population in 50% of cases: mean weight 2.8 kg ± 1.85 SD for males and 2.6 kg ± 1.51 SD for females. Growth curve medians were usually at or below the 5th centile of reference populations throughout life. The median head circumference falls below the 2nd centile, and this change increases with age. The charts show that compared with the standard population, most children with cri‐du‐chat syndrome are small at birth and as they grow most, but not all, have significant microcephaly and compromised weight for age, and to a lesser extent, compromised height for age. Am. J. Med. Genet. 94:153–162, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Growth status and obesity of Hopi children

The purpose of this study was to examine the growth status and prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in Hopi children. Subjects were 263 (117 males, 146 females) Hopi children 6–12 years of age. Stature and mass were measured and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Body size variables were plotted relative to age‐ and sex‐specific reference data and the prevalence rates for underweight, overweight, and obesity were estimated using the BMI as the criterion. Age‐specific sex differences were compared using independent samples t‐tests. In both sexes, mean age‐specific stature appeared to be relatively stable around the 50th percentile of reference values. Mean age‐specific mass appeared to be relatively stable between the 50th and 90th percentiles of the reference values, while the mean BMI tended to fluctuate about the 85th percentile. Approximately 23% of Hopi children were classified as overweight and an additional 24% were classified as obese. Only two subjects were categorized as underweight. The results are consistent with other reports that childhood obesity is a serious public health concern among Native Americans. Further study is warranted to examine the causes of the high prevalence rates of pediatric obesity among Native Americans and the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:741–745, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Statistical effects of varying sample sizes on the precision of percentile estimates

The present study evaluates the precision of outlying percentile estimates, with age- and sex-associated variations and facilitates decisions needed to revise the current NCHS 1977 Growth Charts with regard to 1) the inclusion of 3^rd and 97^th percentiles and 2) the selection of survey data for the construction of the revised growth charts. Simulation was performed to obtain data with distribution characteristics similar to those of The Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES III) (1988–1991) data. NHANES III consists of a two-phase, 6-year, complex stratified multistage probability cluster, cross-sectional survey conducted from 1988 through 1994 to represent the US noninstitutionalized population. Phase I of the survey consisted of 679 boys and 622 girls in age groups 3, 8, 13, and 18 years. Weight and stature, the body mass index (BMI) (weight/stature²; kg/m²) was calculated. The results show that 1) the precision of the percentile estimates is greater for stature than for weight and BMI, 2) percentiles during the pubertal period are less precise than those during the prepubertal and postpubertal periods for weight and BMI but there is little difference for stature, and 3) percentile estimates are more precise for girls than boys for weight and BMI, but not for stature. The present findings suggest that pooling of NHANES III and earlier National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) survey data is necessary to achieve reasonable precision for the 3^rd and 97^th percentile estimates. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 12:64–74, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Dietary change and adolescent growth among the Bundi (Gende-speaking) people of Papua New Guinea

In the 1960's, the Bundi had a pattern of slow growth, delayed maturation, and small adult body size due to malnutrition. Since then, improved transportation, wage income, cash cropping, and migration have changed dietary patterns for the Bundi. The purpose of our study was to assess the effects of this general increase in protein and energy intakes on adolescent growth. The data were collected in 1984. Subscapular skinfold thicknesses among rural Bundi children measured in 1984 and 1967 confirm that nutritional status has improved, although current means for height and weight are still below the NCHS 5th percentile. Rural Bundi measure in 1984 were compared to the 1967 data for differences in height and weight. For both sexes, there were increases in growth status and/or the tempo of growth in height and weight. Urban- rural comparisons further contrast the effects of improved nutrition. For males and females, significant differences between urban and rural groups are found mainly in the age range of the adolescent growth spurt. These findings suggest earlier maturation of urban adolescents. Although interpretation of cross-sectional growth data cannot be conclusive, these results suggest that the tempo of growth is the best indicator of nutritional status during adolescenc.     

The decanalization of weight,recumbent length,and head circumference during infancy

This study has estimated the extent to which 659 infants in the Fels Longitudinal Study maintained their positions in canals on the current NCHS growth charts during 6- and 12-month intervals. These canals are the zones between adjacent major percentile lines (5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th) on the growth charts. The probabilities of increases or decreases in level by two or more canals were calculated. Additionally, the probabilities were calculated for changes in level from between the 5th and 10th percentiles or between the 90th and 95th percentiles to zones beyond the 5th or 95th percentiles, respectively (transitions from normal limits). The analyses were made from birth to 36 months for weight and from 1–36 months for length and head circumference. The probabilities of decanalization were larger for weight than for length or head circumference for the interval from birth to 6 months, but not later. The probabilities for each variable analyzed tended to be large for young age intervals and larger for changes toward the medians than for changes from the medians. The directions of decanalization for weight from birth to 6 months were related to birth weight and those for length were related to midparent stature for the intervals from 6–12 months in each sex, 1–12 months in girls, and 6–18 months in boys. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 9:689–698, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Adult height in Noonan syndrome

Short stature is a very common manifestation of Noonan syndrome (NS) and is accompanied by a variable delay in bone age. Although reports of adult height in NS are uncommon, some feel growth hormone therapy will increase adult height. We report our findings in 73 adults over 21 years of age with NS. Thirty percent of this group had an adult height in the normal range between 10th percentile and 90th percentile. Over half of the females and nearly 40% of males had an adult height below the 3rd percentile. The presence or severity of heart disease was not a factor, and none of the adults with a normal height had been treated with growth hormone. Serial measurements of height for many years through childhood to adulthood were available in only a few patients, but their pattern of growth suggests catch up may occur in late adolescence. To evaluate the benefit of growth hormone therapy, long term serial height measurements over a period of years comparing treated and untreated patients are needed. It will be important to determine what role, if any, the mutated PTPN 11 gene plays in the short stature common in NS.     

Nutritional status among rural Meitei children of Manipur,India

The nutritional status of 301 rural Meitei children (5–11 years old, 163 boys and 138 girls) from low socioeconomic backgrounds was evaluated with the help of dietary survey, clinical signs of mineral and vitamin deficiencies, and selected anthropometric dimensions. The diet was cereal and starchy food—based with rice forming the staple food. Potatoes and green grams, were the commonly consumed tubers and pulses, respectively. Consumption of fruits, eggs, milk, and milk products was extremely low. Vitamin A and C deficiencies were the most common. Spongy bleeding gums (19%), and Bitot's spot (11%) and conjunctival xerosis (12%) were the most prevalent clinical signs of vitamin C and A deficiency, respectively. Compared to girls, boys had a significantly higher incidence of deficiency signs. Mean statures and weights are below the 20th percentile of U.S. (NCHS) reference data. The incidence of stunting was substantially more than that of wasting. Nearly 29% of the children had z-scores 2 S.D. or more below the NCHS median in stature-for-age. Only 1.7% of the children had z-scores 2 S.D. or more below the reference median of weight-for-stature. More girls than boys were classified as having normal weight/age, stature/age, and weight/stature. The results are contrary to the common belief that Indian girls are at a nutritional disadvantage compared to boys. Rather, the findings support the concept of better buffering of female than males under conditions of environmental stress. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

National reference centiles of anthropometric indices and BMI cut-off values in a child population in Nepal

Background: There is a need for national- or ethnicity-specific growth reference values in developing countries like Nepal, where rapid urbanisation and consequential nutritional transition is taking place.

Aim: To establish national growth reference percentiles for anthropometric indices and to propose body mass index (BMI) cut-off values for Nepalese schoolchildren.

Methods: This study comprised 1135 Nepalese schoolchildren of four World Health Organization (WHO) indexed age groups (5-, 6-, 12- and 15-year-olds). The age- and gender-specific smoothed percentile curves for anthropometric indices (height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip-ratio and waist-to-height-ratio) were constructed using LMS method and the corresponding Z-scores were computed. The Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis was used to determine BMI cut-off values based on the International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) and the WHO growth references.

Results: The age- and gender-specified smoothed percentile values of anthropometric indices at 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th percentiles were computed. The BMI cut-off values for thinness (?1.2 SDS/12th percentile), overweight (+1.2 SDS/88th percentile) and obesity (+2.1 SDS/98th percentile) had high discriminating power, and high sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion: The Nepali anthropometric cut-off values proposed here can be recommended to be applied into research, and to identify public health risks in Nepal among these age groups.     

Contemporary height,weight and body mass index references for children aged 0 to adulthood in Switzerland compared to the Prader reference,WHO and neighbouring countries*

Abstract

Background: In 2011, WHO growth curves replaced those of Prader and colleagues (First Zurich longitudinal study) in Switzerland.

Aim: To present contemporary height-, weight- and body mass index (BMI)-for-age references reflecting children’s growth in modern Switzerland.

Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional sample comprising 30,141 boys and girls aged 0–20?years measured between 2012 and 2019. Height, weight and BMI reference curves were created using the LMS method. Derived percentiles were compared with those of Prader, WHO and neighbouring countries.

Results: Growth in the first 5?years is almost identical with Prader curves. Thereafter children are taller, yet their final height is only about 1?cm higher. Today’s children, in particular boys, are considerably heavier. In comparison with WHO growth references, Swiss children are taller from the second year until adulthood; the WHO 3rd percentiles lie about 4?cm below those of our updated references. Weight and BMI median percentiles from our sample are similar to those of WHO and higher than the Prader curves. However, the course of the 97th BMI percentile WHO curves extends well below the 97th percentile of the updated Swiss curves.

Conclusion: This study provides contemporary reference data for assessing individual growth based on height, weight and BMI of Swiss children.     

Anthropometric reference values in an Afro-Caribbean adolescent population.

Childhood and adolescent obesity is increasingly becoming a major public health issue in the Caribbean. In this study, we analyze patterns of growth in a population of Afro-Caribbean adolescents 12-18 years old and to compare these with those established for US adolescents. A cross-section of adolescent schoolchildren had weight and height measured using standardized procedures. In addition, percentage body fat (% BF) was measured using a foot-to-foot bioelectric impedance body fat analyzer (Tanita model 531). Selected age- and gender- specific percentiles of BMI, %BF, weight and height were derived and smoothed by cubic splines. These were compared with similar percentiles from US adolescent growth data. A total of 3,707 adolescents (1,585 males; 2,122 females) participated in the study. The age-specific correlation between BMI and %BF ranged from 0.75 to 0.87 in males and 0.79 to 0.87 in females. Females had significantly higher %BF than males in each age category. Overall, Tobagonian females were heavier and had higher BMI than their US counterparts especially levels above the median percentiles. Tobagonian males had similar height, weight, and BMI to their US counterparts over the range of percentiles. Overall, the pattern of growth in this group of adolescents suggests that they are growing at rates that are comparable to those seen in a more well-nourished population.     

Physical growth of Ecuadorian Chachi Amerindians

Measurments of height, weight, arm circumference, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds were collected on 457 Ecuadorian Chachi Amerindians between the ages of 4 and 64 years. Compared to US reference values, the Chachi are very small in terms of height-for-age, but have normal or above normal weight-for-height. The Chachi are also in the lower part of the distribution of body size among South American Indians. In terms of body composition, Chachi arm circumferences and triceps skinfolds are below the US 50th percentile. The estimated upper arm muscle area of Chachi males is below the US median, but Chachi females older than the age of 15 have arm muscle areas exceeding the US median. One reason for the greater arm muscle area of adult Chachi females may be that they perform much more physical activity involving the upper body than do US women. Problems in the interpretation of anthropometric indicators of nutritional status among South American Indian populations limit the conclusions about Chachi nutritional status that can be drawn from these results.     

Growth status of children 6-12 years from two different geographic regions of Mexico

Primary objectives : The purposes of the study are to assess the growth status of urban Mexican children living in different geographic areas of the country, to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and to explore secular trends in body size. Design : Cross-sectional surveys of 293 children 6-11 years from Sonora in the north-west of the country (155 boys, 138 girls), and 356 children 7-12 years from Veracruz on the Gulf Coast (194 boys, 162 girls) were undertaken in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Procedures : Height and weight were measured; the body mass index (BMI, kg m -2 ) was calculated. Growth status was compared to USA reference data and to samples of Mexican children in 1926 and 1975. The prevalence of overweight (BMI &#83 85th and < 95th percentiles) and obesity (BMI &#83 95th percentile) was estimated. Results : Girls and boys from Sonora and Veracruz do not differ in height, weight and the BMI. Mean heights are at (girls) or below (boys) the medians of USA growth charts, while mean weights are at (boys) or just below (girls) the 75th percentiles at most ages. As a result, mean BMIs are above (boys) and below (girls) the 75th percentiles over the age range studied. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is 40% in boys and 35% in girls, whereas the prevalence of obesity per se is 23% in boys and 17% in girls. Compared to urban Mexican children in the Federal District surveyed in 1926, children in the present sample are taller and heavier, but the secular trend in body weight is more pronounced since the mid-1960s. Heights of the current samples are similar to those of well-off children in Mexico City in the early 1970s, but weights are heavier. Conclusions : The gap in height between well-off and lower socioeconomic status chidren in different regions of Mexico has been reduced, but there is an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity.