Body Height, Weight and Body Mass Index in Macedonian Adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: Anthropometric measurements, especially in the period of childhood and adolescence are good indicators of health and nutrition of youth population. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex and age-specific differences of body height, weight and body mass index in Macedonian adolescents at the age 11 to 18 years. Material and Methods: This study included 2390 adolescent students (1238 males and 1152 females), from primary schools and high schools in four cities the Macedonia. Body height and body weight were measured and BMI was calculated (kg/m2). For the aim of categorization of the anthropometric indices’ values (height-for-age, weight-for-age and BMI), percentile cut-off points were used: < 5th percentile; from the 15th to 85th percentile; from 85th to 95th percentile and above the 95th percentile. Results: Between the sexes after the age of 13 years until 18 years mean values for body height was higher in males and we found significant differences for p<0.05. Sex differences were significant for body weight from the age of 12 to the age of 18 years in favor of males. The values of body mass index increased with the age in both sexes. BMI showed higher values for cut-off points for 50-th percentile in favor of males in all age groups but without significant differences. Conclusion: The found values are recommended to be applied for evaluation of deviations in growth and nutrition in 11- years-old to 18-years-old Macedonian adolescents.