ANTHROPOMETRICAL INDEXES AS NUTRITIONAL INDICATORS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction:. In order to prevent and reduce the increasing trend of obesity, anthropometric variables of growth and nutritional status in children have to be constantly monitored.The aim of our study was evaluation of sex-specific differences of anthropometrical indexes that were used as indicators for assessment of nutritional status in children aged 8. Examinees and methods: The study included 212 healthy children (106 boys, 106 girls) aged 8 from Macedonian nationality. With standard methodology (IBP) were taken following body measurements (body weight, height, mid upper arm circumferences-MUAC and skinfolds thickness triceps–SFTr and subscapular-SFSc), and according to standard formulas were calculated: weight-for-age (BW), height-for-age (BH), body mass index-for-age (BMI), mid upper arm circumferences-for age (MUAC), and skinfolds thicknes-for-age (SFTr and SFSc). Results: Results showed sex-specific differences in a large number of the examined anthropometrical parameters (BW, BH, BMI) in favour of the boys. On the other hand, skinfolds thickness (SFTr and SFSc) were significantly higher in girls. Values of the 50th percentile in boys were as follows:30 kg for BW,131 cm for BH, 17.3 kg/m2 for BMI, 18cm for MUAC, 5.5 mm for SFSc, and 8.6mm for SFTr. The values of these parameters in girls were: 29 kg for BW,129.2. cm for BH,16.8 kg/m2 for BMI, 18.5cm for MUAC, 6.9 mm for SFSc and 10.2 for SFTr. Conclusions: These results can be used as criteria for the assessment and detection of deviations in the nutritional status in children aged 8.