Indices of Body Build and Nutritional Status

Abstract

In 1993. body mass index (BMI). subscapular-tricipital fatfold ratio (STFR) and waist-hip circumference ratio (WHI) were analysed in 1200 subject from years of age 2-75 years old living in Progreso and Merida, Yucatan. Mexico. These data were compared with data for Mexican American (MA). Puerto Rican. Peru Indians, and Guatemala and Belize Maya children. In boys and girls before puberty changes of BMI are small. At ages 8-18 in boys and 7-16 in girls a node rate increase of BMI is observed in Peru. Guatemala and Belize (group A), but intensive occurs in Yucatans, Mexican American (MA) and Puerto Rican (group B). The group A and B show separated areas c4 variance (developmental pathways) in late puberty) period. In girls differences between 7 populations are smaller but BMI increase is mote rapid in both groups, than in boys. After 18 years there arc very stall changes in BMI in Peruvians and very rapid ones in Yucatans and MAs. In US Whites there is some increase, but on much lower rate. US Black arc in between In adults BMI is twice as large as before puberty. Until the age of 14 years changes of STFR are slow. than rapid in late puberty and in adolescence At this age STFR is lower in children from Pen, higher in Guacamole. and Yucatan values are in between. Before purify ratio is higher in girls than in boys, after in males than in females in adult males n higher ratio is observed in Yucatans and MAs. a medium one in US Whites and is lowest in Peru males, in females STFR higher in Yucatans. MAs and Peruvians than in Which US. Both BMI and STFR increase with age. WHI generally decrease till puberty and then increase starting at age 15 in boys and 17 in girls. In age of 3-5 and of 45-65 years WHI is almost the same in males, and in age 4 and 65 in females. In adults, this ratio is highest in Yucatans. medium in MAs and lowest n US Whites. Our analysts suggested that BMI must be related to ethnic differences in body build. Whereas STFR and WHI rather reflect nutritional status A higher WHI is typical for populations from lower economic conditions, whereas a lower STFR is seen it both: in nutritional deprivation in poor populations. and is self restriction of nutrition in well-off social strata.