Age of Onset, Nutritional Determinants, and Seasonal Variations in Menarche in Rural Bangladesh

Menarche is an important milestone in the development of female adolescents. The study assessed the age at menarche using recall, its seasonality, and association with marital and nutritional status (using midupper arm circumference [MUAC]) among 3,923 female adolescents aged 12–19 years in a rural area of Bangladesh. At the time of assessment, most (88%) adolescents had attained menarche at the mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 12.8 (1.4) years. Age of onset of menarche among married adolescents (13%) occurred earlier than in those who were unmarried (12.6±1.3 years vs 12.9±1.4 years, p<0.01). Age at menarche was negatively associated with MUAC after adjusting for age and marital status (β=−0.10, p<0.01). More than 50% of the adolescents had an onset of menarche during winter (χ ²=634.97; p<0.001), with peaks in December and January. In this rural population, the current age at menarche was found to be slightly lower than the previous estimates of 13.0 years in Bangladesh. An early onset of menarche was associated with season and better nutritional status of the female adolescents and may be associated with early marriage.Key words: Age at menarche, Marital status, Menarche, Nutritional status, Seasonality, Bangladesh     

Relationship between body composition and blood pressure in Bahraini adolescents

The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between body composition and blood pressure (BP) in Bahraini adolescents. A sample of 504 Bahraini schoolchildren aged 12-17 years (249 boys and 255 girls) was selected using a multi-stage stratified sampling procedure. BP measurements were performed on the students. Anthropometric data including weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, and triceps, subscapular and medial calf skinfold thicknesses were also collected. BMI, percentage body fat, waist:hip (WHR), and subscapular:triceps skinfold ratio were calculated. Mean systolic BP and mean diastolic BP were higher in males than in females. Weight and height in boys and weight only in girls were significantly associated with systolic BP independent of age or percentage fat. Nearly 14 % of the adolescents were classified as having high BP. BMI and percentage body fat were significantly and positively associated with the risk of having high BP in the boys and girls. Adolescents with high WHR or WC, as indicators for central obesity, tended to have higher BP values. The results from the present study indicate that obesity influences the BP of Bahraini adolescents and that simple anthropometric measurements such as WHR and WC are useful in identifying children at risk of developing high BP. These findings together with the known tracking of BP from adolescence into adulthood underline the importance of establishing intervention programmes in order to prevent the development of childhood and adolescent obesity.     

Use of body mass index to evaluate the nutritional status of Xavánte Indigenous adults, Sangradouro-Volta Grande, Mato Grosso State, Central Brazil

This study evaluates the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and anthropometric measurements in Xavánte adults on the Sangradouro-Volta Grande Indian Reservation, Mato Grosso State, Central Brazil. The objective was to analyze the use of BMI as an indicator of nutritional status in this specific population. Fieldwork was conducted in January-February 1999. Data include body mass, height, arm, hip, and waist circumference, and triceps skinfold of 128 adults over 20 years of age. The results indicate high correlations (r > 0.80) between BMI and body mass and waist and mid upper arm circumference for both sexes. For women, fat arm area and total arm area were also highly correlated with BMI, while for men hip circumference and total arm area showed a high correlation with BMI. The results suggest that high BMI values are related to excess fat among the Xavánte. It is important to monitor changes in the nutritional status of indigenous peoples in Brazil, since there is evidence that such populations are undergoing rapid processes of nutritional transition.     

Anthropometric and growth assessment of children receiving renal replacement therapy in Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the anthropometric and growth status of children receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Malaysia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with some retrospective elements. SETTING: Outpatients' clinics in a major referral hospital in Malaysia. PATIENTS: Fifteen renal transplants (mean age, 13.3 +/- 2.8 years) and 35 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients (mean age, 12.6 +/- 3.0 years) participated. The RRT period ranged between 3 months to 6 years for both groups. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (% BF), triceps skinfold (TSF), mid upper-arm circumference (MUAC), arm muscle area (AMA), and z scores for height and weight. RESULTS: BMI for age indicated 7% of transplant subjects (TS) versus 40% of CAPD subjects were below the 5th percentile, whereas only 7% of TS were above the 95th percentile. % BF was higher for TS compared with the CAPD group for both sexes (boys, 19.5% and girls, 29.8% v boys, 12.4% and girls, 21.5%). Despite higher percentiles for TSF, transplant subjects still showed depleted muscle mass based on MUAC and AMA. z scores for height showed 93% of transplant subjects and 62% of CAPD subjects below -2 standard deviation (SD), whereas for weight these were 27% and 54%, respectively. Sixty-four percent of TS experienced catch-up growth for height and 86% for weight. These percentages were approximately halved for the CAPD group (32% and 43%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patterns of growth and body composition appear distinctly different with the different RRT modalities. Serial anthropometric evaluation appears vital in pre- and post-RRT monitoring in pediatric renal populations.     

Cross-sectional reference values for mid-upper arm circumference,triceps skinfold thickness and arm fat area of Turkish children and adolescents

The aim of the study was to establish cross-sectional reference values for the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and arm fat area (AFA) of Turkish children and adolescents. In total 5,553 students aged between 6 and 17 years were selected by a multistage sampling method from schools representing city centre, rural and urban areas of Kayseri, Central Anatolia. The MUAC and TSF were measured, and the arm muscle area, arm area, AFA and fat percentage (%) were calculated. The LMS method was employed to calculate the MUAC, TSF and AFA curve parameters. The MUAC, TSF, AFA and fat percentage in each age group were significantly higher in girls than in boys. In boys, the TSF 50th percentile ranged from 7.6 mm at 17 years to 9.0 mm at 11 years; whereas in girls this ranged from 9.4 mm at 6 years to 14.6 mm at 17 years. The MUAC 50th percentile ranged from 17.0 to 23.6 cm in boys, and from 15.6 cm to 20.9 cm in girls. The AFA 50th percentile measurements ranged from 4.5 cm at 6 years to 5.8 cm at 12–14 years in boys; and ranged from 7.2 cm at 6 years to 14.8 cm at 17 years in girls. The percentile distribution was more disperse towards higher TSF and AFA values in boys than in girls.     

Cross-sectional reference values for mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness and arm fat area of Turkish children and adolescents

The aim of the study was to establish cross-sectional reference values for the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and arm fat area (AFA) of Turkish children and adolescents. In total 5,553 students aged between 6 and 17 years were selected by a multistage sampling method from schools representing city centre, rural and urban areas of Kayseri, Central Anatolia. The MUAC and TSF were measured, and the arm muscle area, arm area, AFA and fat percentage (%) were calculated. The LMS method was employed to calculate the MUAC, TSF and AFA curve parameters. The MUAC, TSF, AFA and fat percentage in each age group were significantly higher in girls than in boys. In boys, the TSF 50th percentile ranged from 7.6 mm at 17 years to 9.0 mm at 11 years; whereas in girls this ranged from 9.4 mm at 6 years to 14.6 mm at 17 years. The MUAC 50th percentile ranged from 17.0 to 23.6 cm in boys, and from 15.6 cm to 20.9 cm in girls. The AFA 50th percentile measurements ranged from 4.5 cm at 6 years to 5.8 cm at 12-14 years in boys; and ranged from 7.2 cm at 6 years to 14.8 cm at 17 years in girls. The percentile distribution was more disperse towards higher TSF and AFA values in boys than in girls.     

Pregnancy and lactation hinder growth and nutritional status of adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh

Adolescent pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes. Less is known about its influence on maternal growth and nutritional status. We determined how pregnancy and lactation during adolescence affects postmenarcheal linear and ponderal growth and body composition of 12-19 y olds in rural Bangladesh. In a prospective cohort study, anthropometric measurements were taken among primigravidae (n = 229) in the early first trimester of pregnancy and at 6 mo postpartum. Randomly selected never-pregnant adolescents (n = 458) of the same age and time since menarche were measured within 1 wk of these assessments. Annual changes in anthropometric measurements were compared between the 2 groups adjusting for confounders using mixed effects regression models. The mean +/- SD age and age at menarche of adolescents were 16.3 +/- 1.6 y and 12.7 +/- 1.2 y, respectively. Unlike pregnant girls who did not grow in height (-0.09 +/- 0.08 cm/y), never-pregnant girls increased in stature by 0.35 +/- 0.05 cm/y. The adjusted mean difference between the 2 groups was 0.43 +/- 0.1cm (P < 0.001). Similarly, whereas never-pregnant girls gained BMI, mid-upper arm circumference, and percent body fat, pregnant girls declined in every measurement by 6 mo postpartum, resulting in adjusted mean +/- SD differences in annual changes of 0.62 +/- 0.11 kg/m(2), 0.89 +/- 0.12 cm, and 1.54 +/- 0.25%, respectively (all P < 0.001). Differences in changes in all anthropometric measurements except height were greater among adolescents whose first pregnancy occurred <24 mo vs. > or =24 mo since menarche (BMI, -1.40 +/- 0.18 vs. -0.60 +/- 0.11 kg/m(2); all interaction terms, P < 0.05). Pregnancy and lactation during adolescence ceased linear growth and resulted in weight loss and depletion of fat and lean body mass of young girls.     

Cut-off values for the diagnosis of obesity and hypertension based on epidemiologic measurements in Hungarian youth

INTRODUCTION: A representative nutritional hygienic survey was performed in a population of secondary school students (ageing from 15 to 18 years) between the years of 1997 and 2000. Herewith, the authors give an account on the anthropometric and blood pressure studies. METHODS: Sampling: the representative sampling sites were selected randomly. In the capital three-stage, in the counties four-stage stratified groups were assigned for the studies. The data for 3071 girls and 3274 boys were evaluated. Anthropometric parameters determined were as follows, body mass, body height, waist and hip circumference. The body mass index (BMI) and the waist/hip ratio was calculated. Blood pressure values were recorded using OMRON M4 automatic device. Repeated blood pressure measurements were performed twice at least > or = two weeks apart if the systolic blood pressure was 135 and/or the diastolic pressure was > or = 85 mmHg. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows 9.0. RESULTS: Out of the anthropometric parameters the gender and age-specific percentile distribution is given in regard to body mass, body height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio. There was a strong relationship between the waist circumference and BMI. Elevated blood pressure values were found at the first recording in 14.1% of boys and in 2.5% of girls. In students who presented three times, the incidence of high blood pressure was 7.5% in boys and 1.1% in girls. Only 1% of students was aware of his or her hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The representative survey provides reference values concerning body mass, body height, BMI, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio and blood pressure values in the age group of 15 to 18 years. It also provides data for the prevalence of hypertension and gives cut off values for the diagnosis of leanness, overweight and obesity.     

南京市3~6岁儿童腰围、臀围变化及体格相关指标关系分析

目的 了解南京市3~6岁儿童腰围、臀围、腰臀比的现状及其与体格相关指标的关系,有针对性地制定措施,更好地促进儿童健康成长。方法 2015年采用分层随机整群抽样的方法调查南京市4 300名3~6岁儿童的腰围、臀围指标,计算腰臀比并对体格相关指标进行分析。结果 男、女童腰围、臀围均随着年龄的增加而增加,腰臀比随着年龄的增加而降低。平均腰围:男童49.4~54.5 cm,女童47.5~53.2 cm;平均臀围:男童53.3~62.5 cm,女童53.0~60.9 cm;平均腰臀比:男童0.87~0.96 cm,女童0.87~0.90 cm。儿童腰围、臀围及腰臀比在性别年龄组间差异有统计学。腰围和臀围分别与体重、身高及体重指数(BMI)呈正相关。腰臀比随着年龄的增加而降低,与身高、臀围呈负相关。结论 南京市3~6岁儿童腰围、臀围存在年龄和性别差异,腰围、臀围、腰臀比与其体重、身高及BMI有关。     

The factors affecting the relation between the menarcheal age of mother and daughter

BACKGROUND: Menarche is one of the most important biologic signals in the life of a woman. Menarche is a biological variable which has a significant genotypic component in girls. In recent years, many studies reporting the earlier onset of menarche owing to the improvement of socio-economic conditions have been published. DESIGN: We asked some questions about menarche to 1017 female students studying in the high schools of Manisa region in order to determine the menarcheal age and the correlation of menarcheal age between the mothers and daughters in our region. RESULTS: The mean age at menarche for the girls was 12.82+/-1.07 years and for the mothers was 13.6+/-1.39 years. The mean menarcheal age of the mothers was higher than the mean menarcheal age of the girls (P<0.001). This difference persisted independent of the socio-economic status, nutritional state and physical activity of the girls. There was a significant correlation between the menarcheal age of the girls and their mothers (r=0.262, P<0.001). This correlation existed in all the girls with different socio-economic status, nutritional state and physical activity. However, this correlation disappeared in girls with body mass index (BMI)>25 (r=0.04, P=0.813). In girls with BMI<25, there was a correlation between the menarcheal age of the girls and mothers (r=0.282, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the menarche occurs earlier in the daughters than their mothers. The correlation between the menarcheal age of the girls and their mothers persists under all circumstances except in obesity. The mother's menarcheal age is a good predictor of the daughter's menarcheal age in non-obese girls and the BMI is an important factor.     

2005年长沙市青少年腰围臀围及腰臀比的分布特征

目的研究长沙市11~18岁青少年腰围、臀围和腰臀比的分布特征。方法采用随机整群抽样的方法抽取长沙市两所学校,以参加2005年学生体质与健康调研的2 490名（男1 293名,女1 197名）11~18岁中学生为研究对象,测量腰围和臀围,并计算各年龄组男女学生的腰围、臀围和腰臀比的百分位数、均数和标准差。分析腰围、臀围、腰臀比的年龄别分布特点及各年龄组腰围、臀围和腰臀比的性别差异,并与美国疾病控制中心（CDC）1999-2002年青少年腰围数据和北京市青少年2004年腰围数据比较。结果（1）男女生腰围均随年龄增长,男生的腰围大于女生（P〈0.01）;（2）男生臀围均随年龄增长,除18岁年龄组外,女性的臀围高于男性（P〈0.01）;（3）男生腰臀比均大于女生（P〈0.01）;（4）长沙市男女生腰围第50百分位数值与美国和北京青少年腰围比较,男生腰围小于美国但高于北京数据,都有随年龄增高的趋势。女生的腰围曲线较北京和美国平缓,无显著快速增长期。结论长沙市青少年腰围、臀围、腰臀比在不同性别和不同年龄组学生中存在差异,腰围在不同种族和地域间也存在差别。建议将腰围作为青少年健康体检的常规测量指标,并为进一步研究随时间变化趋势及国际间比较提供基本数据。     

Does sympathoadrenal activity predict changes in body fat? An 18-y follow-up study

BACKGROUND: Whether alterations in the sympathoadrenal system contribute to obesity or, rather, are consequences of it, is an unresolved issue. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that the sympathoadrenal system plays a predictive role in the development of body fat. DESIGN: At entry, arterial plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were measured in 99 healthy men (x +/- SD age: 19.3 +/- 0.4 y) at rest and during a mental stress test and a cold pressor test. Body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)), waist circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were measured at entry and after 18 y of follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty subjects (81%) were available for follow-up analyses after a mean (+/-SD) of 18.0 +/- 0.9 y. The epinephrine responses to the mental stress test (E(MST)) showed a negative relation to changes in BMI (P = 0.01) and waist circumference (P = 0.007). The mean increase in BMI was 6.3 among subjects in the lowest E(MST) quartile and 3.7 in the remaining subjects. In multiple regression analyses corrected for level of exercise, BMI, waist circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness at entry, E(MST) was found to be a consistent negative predictor of future BMI (P = 0.005), waist circumference (P = 0.001), and triceps skinfold thickness (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We present the first long-term follow-up study in whites showing that the epinephrine response to mental stress is a negative predictor of future BMI, waist circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness after 18 y of follow-up. These findings may provide further insights into the pathophysiology of obesity.     

Waist circumference values in Spanish children--gender related differences.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain reference values of the waist circumference in Spanish children, and to investigate their dependence on age and gender. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: General school-age population. SUBJECTS: A representative sample of the schools in Zaragoza, Spain, was drawn from seven schools. The population selected comprised 1728 children with ages ranging from 6.0-14.9y. Of the original sample, 368 children (21.29%) were excluded because of chronic diseases or refusal. Finally, 1360 children and adolescents: 701 boys and 659 girls, were studied. INTERVENTIONS: Waist and hip circumferences were measured with an unelastic tape. RESULTS: Waist circumference tended to be higher in males than in females and this difference was significant after 11.5y. In general, hip circumference was higher in females than in males (statistically significant differences at 7.5, 10.5, 12.5 and 13.5 y). In general, percentile values of waist circumference were higher in males than in females, especially after 12.5 y. Difference between males and females on percentile 95 at 14.5 y was 7.6 cm. Hip was greater than waist in both sexes, and the two curves run nearly parallel in males. In females, while hip enlarges continuously, waist shows the reverse tendency between 11.5 and 14.5 y. CONCLUSIONS: Waist circumference showed higher values in boys than in girls, especially after 11.5 y, and waist values increase with age both in males and females. These findings justify the use of age and gender specific reference standards.     

The effect of nutritional status on morbidity after elective surgery for benign gastrointestinal disease

The effect of nutritional status on the morbidity and mortality of major gastrointestinal surgery for benign disease was studied in 32 patients. Malnutrition was defined as a serum albumin less than 3.5 g/dl and a recent weight loss greater than 10%, in addition to any two of the following: weight for height, midarm circumference or triceps skin-fold thickness less than 10th percentile. The morbidity and mortality in the 17 malnourished patients was 59% and 29%, respectively, compared with 20% and 7% in 15 well-nourished patients matched for age and operative procedure (p less than 0.05). After operation, the mean duration of inadequate oral nutritional intake period (IONIP, defined as a caloric intake greater than 60% requirement) was 11.9 days +/- 2.9 (SEM) in well-nourished patients compared with 30.5 days +/- 3.7 in the malnourished group. The longer IONIP in malnourished patients was a consequence of the higher morbidity in this group, thus warranting the consideration of supportive (postoperative) parenteral nutrition in malnourished patients who undergo major gastrointestinal surgery for benign disease.     

中国7～18岁学龄儿童青少年腰围界值点研究

目的 根据儿童不同腰围水平罹患心血管疾病的危险,研究中同学龄儿童青少年腰围的适宜界值点.方法 利用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)法分析从全国汇总的65 898名7～18岁学龄儿童青少年腰围及其相关代谢指征数据,探索预测心血管疾病的腰围最佳界值点.结果 儿童青少年腰围值小于第75百分位数(P75)时,收缩压、舒张压、血糖、总胆固醇、甘油三酯和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平以及血压升高率、血糖升高率、血脂异常率随腰围变化趋势不明显,当腰围大于P75后,上述指标逐渐增加,从P90开始,增加趋势明显,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇的变化趋势相反.ROC曲线结果表明,预测血压增加的腰围最佳界值点为P75;预测至少两项心血管疾病危险因素聚集的最佳界值点为P90.与腰围低于P75,的儿童青少年相比,在腰围处于P75～P90者中至少聚集两项心血管疾病危险因素的比例增加了1倍,腰围大于P90者中该比例则增加了5倍.按体重指数分类标准分层后,儿童青少年血压升高率仍然随腰围增加而显著增加.结论 建议将中国儿童青少年腰围的年龄别性别P7,和P90作为儿童青少年心血管病危险开始增加和明显增加的界值点.     

Biosocial Correlates of Nutrition and Chronic Energy Deficiency among Adult Females of two Ecological Zones in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, India

The paper aims to draw out biosocial correlates of nutrition through body mass index (BMI) and chronic energy deficiency (CED). The findings are based on cross-sectional data of 446 women aged 18-60 years from six different endogamous groups of two ecological zones. The mean age of studied women varied from 31 to 36 years. The mean age at menarche was found to be 14.50±1.32 years. Similarly mean age at menopause was found to be 46.22±4.00 years. The mean of reproductive life span varied from 27 to 35 years. Average number of pregnancies per women was 4.44±2.52, average foetal loss was 0.11, children surviving per women was 3.61, whereas average child loss per women was found to be 0.62 and average family size was 9.51. Variations in mean BMI kg/m2 between populations ranged between 18.56 and 20.71. Prevalence of CED was highest among the Brahmin women of Uttarakhand (58.3%) followed by Ahirwar of Madhya Pradesh (47.1%). Incidence of CED was found lowest among Brahmin women of Madhya Pradesh (24.0%). Linear regression coefficient (b ± standard error) of BMI on Cormic Index for these women was 33.1 ± 8.1 (t=4.0, p=0.001), and correlation coefficient (R) was 0.189. Out of 6 anthropometric variables considered for regression analysis, 5, namely weight, hip circumference, waist circumference, mid arm circumference and sitting height showed significant correlations with BMI. Significant differences in sitting height and Cormic Index of women from the hills and plains indicate the role of ecology in shaping its habitants. Out of 9 demographic variables, only age of respondent and family size were found to have a significant impact on low BMI status. The present study postulates that the nutritional status of women has improved over the last decades.     

Anthropometry of the trunk and extremities in nutritional assessment of children with chronic renal failure.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of anthropometric parameters of the trunk and extremities between 2 groups of children with chronic renal failure (CRF) with different levels of nutritional status and healthy controls. DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: Department of Physiology and Anthropology, University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje. PATIENTS: Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 10.5 +/- 3.2 years (10 boys and 11 girls) with mild to moderate CRF were divided into well-nourished (chronic renal failure children [CRFC] I) and undernourished (CRFC II) children according to their nutritional status. The control group was 22 healthy children with a mean age of 10.7 +/- 3.8 years (10 boys and 12 girls). Nutritional status of the children was assessed by comparing anthropometric parameters with National Center for Health Statistics references. INTERVENTIONS: Anthropometry. Main Outcome Measurements: Body weight, height, sitting height, arm and leg length, knee height, chest circumference, midarm circumference, triceps skin-fold thickness, and upper arm muscle and fat area. RESULTS: Mean sitting height, leg length, and chest circumference were significantly lower in both the CRFC I group (67.8 +/- 3.5, 57.5 +/- 4.2, and 53.0 +/- 3.9 cm) and the CRFC II group (65.6 +/- 2.2, 56.1 +/- 4.1, and 50.6 +/- 2.7 cm) compared with the healthy controls (72.5 +/- 2.9, 61.3 +/- 3.5, and 62.4 +/- 4.1 cm, respectively). The highest significant correlations to height were for sitting height (r = +0.82, P <.05) and knee height (r = +0.72, P <.05) in CRFC I and for leg length (r = +0.74, P <.05) in CRFC II. There was no correlation between anthropometric parameters of the trunk and extremities and upper muscle and fat area in both groups of CRF children. CONCLUSION: The sitting height, knee height, and leg length can be used in nutritional and growth assessment when it is impossible to make a reliable measurement of height in CRF children.     

安徽省汉族女生月经初潮与肥胖度关系的研究

目的:了解安徽省汉族女生月经初潮年龄变化情况及不同经济状况地区月经初潮年龄的差异并进一步分析月经初潮年龄与肥胖度的关系。方法:按照2010年全国中小学生体质调研的相关要求,采用分层随机抽样和随机整群抽样方法对安徽省南、北、中3个地区的城乡7～18岁中小学女生共6 840人进行调查,测量身高、体重、腰围、臀围及腹部、上臂、肩胛下皮褶厚度等指标,并对她们是否有月经初潮进行了问卷调查。结果:安徽省汉族女生半数月经初潮平均年龄为12.44岁,与往年相比呈现提前趋势。城乡女生半数月经初潮平均年龄分别为12.39及12.49岁。体质指数、腰高比及3个部位皮下脂肪厚度等指标的均值来潮组均大于未来潮组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:月经初潮年龄与体脂因素关系密切,呈现负相关;应该提前加强中小学生的性教育及让中小学生加强锻炼、控制饮食,减缓月经初潮年龄提前的长期趋势。     

Reference growth curves for cypriot children 6 to 17 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to present smoothed percentiles for body weight and height, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) in Cypriot children and to compare their BMI 85th and 95th percentiles with those of children in other countries. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The study was a cross-sectional study, including a representative sample of 2472 healthy children (49.1% boys) in Cyprus ages 6 to 17 years, who were evaluated during the 1999-2000 school year. Body weight and height and waist circumference were measured using standard procedures. BMI was calculated as weight in kilograms per height in square meters. Smoothed, sex-specific percentiles for these variables were calculated using polynomial regression models. Crude weight, height, waist, and BMI percentile values are presented in sex-specific tables and smoothed percentile curves are presented in charts. The 85th and 95th percentiles for BMI were compared with measurements from other countries, because of the concern of the upper limits of BMI in respect to the evaluation of obesity. RESULTS: The 85th and 95th BMI percentile values are higher in Cypriot boys than in Swedish and Iranian boys through all ages and in girls ages 6 to 15 years, whereas after the age of 15 years, both Swedish and Iranian girls' percentiles are equalized with their Cypriot peers. DISCUSSION: Weight, height, waist circumference, and BMI values and charts are presented for the first time for Cypriot children and adolescents. Much concern should be addressed to the observation that for the majority of the Cypriot sample, the upper BMI limits are higher than the peers of developing and developed countries.     

Anthropometric indices of school children and familiar risk factors

BACKGROUND: Overweight in adolescence predicts adverse health effects in adulthood. We carried out a primary school health program and assessed children's growth and body composition. METHODS: Were screened 869 (448 M, 421 F) primary school children: height, weight, four skinfolds, and four circumferences were measured. A family-reported questionnaire was used to determine family composition, history, and lifestyle. RESULTS: Age was 118 +/- 5 months, BMI 18 +/- 3 kg/m(2). No difference by gender was observed as for BMI or blood pressure. Girls had higher skinfold thickness at the biceps (BCF), triceps (TCF), subscapular (SSF), and suprailiac (SIF) areas (P < 0.001), hip and thigh circumferences (P < 0.01), body fat percentage (P < 0.001). Boys had higher waist circumference (P < 0.01), waist/thigh ratio, and conicity index (P < 0.001). Offspring BMI was correlated with birth weight (P < 0.05), parental BMI and scholarship level (P < 0.001), children blood pressure (P < 0.001), and hours per day spent in television viewing (P < 0.01). Family history for diabetes was associated with higher BMI, SSF, waist circumference (P < 0.05), and upper thigh (P < 0.01). Family history for hypertension was associated with higher SSF/TCF ratio (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Three of 869 children had BMI >30 kg/m(2) (2 boys and 1 girl), 33 had BMI >25 kg/m(2) (17 boys and 16 girls). The percentages of children who could be considered overweight (BMI >/=95(th) percentile of age- and sex-specific NHANES I reference data) were boys, 10.0%, and girls, 9.3%. Anthropometric and anamnestic data on child and family yield more accurate estimates of risk profile: fat distribution seems relevant for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.