Abstract
Simple SummaryGrowth charts constitute an essential tool for monitoring adolescents’ development. The percentile growth charts currently used are based on Basque Country population. Considering socioeconomic differences between Spanish regions, growth chart data could be inappropriate. Thus, a descriptive cross-sectional study with 4130 adolescents was conducted to describe the percentile distribution of adolescents from Extremadura and compares these percentiles with those used as reference. Bodyweight, height and BMI of Extremadura adolescents differ from the reference values currently applied. Thus, the need to use new indicators should be considered, adapted to the physical and anthropometric reality of children and young people to avoid the possible normalization of situations of thinness, overweight or obesity.Background: Growth charts constitute an essential tool for monitoring adolescents’ development. In Extremadura, the percentile growth charts by Faustino Orbegozo Foundation are used. However, they are based on Basque Country population data. Considering socioeconomic differences between Spanish regions, growth chart data could not be appropriate. Aims: to describe the percentile distribution of adolescents from Extremadura and compare these percentiles with those proposed by the Faustino Orbegozo Eizaguirre Foundation that are currently applied in the Extremadura Health Service. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 4130 adolescents (12–17 years) participated into the study. Bodyweight and height were assessed. Results: Significant differences were found comparing real measured values with commonly used reference tables for bodyweight at all ages between 12 and 13 years and at 14 years in both gender (p < 0.05). Differences were also found in boys at 15, 16.5 and 17 years (p < 0.05). Regarding height, significant differences were reported at 12, 13, 14.5, 15, 16.5 and 17 years old (p < 0.05) in males; while females’ results only revealed differences at 12, 12.5, 14.5 and 15.5 years (p < 0.05). BMI outcomes showed differences in both gender at 12, 12.5, 13, 14 and 15 years old (p < 0.05). Differences were also found at 16 and 14.5 years for boys and girls, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Bodyweight, height and BMI of adolescents from Extremadura differ of the reference values currently applied. Hence, this study’s outcomes suggest the need to use new indicators, adapted to the physical and anthropometric reality of children and young people to avoid the possible normalisation of situations of thinness, overweight or obesity.
Highlights
Intergenerational changes in bodyweight, height, and body mass index (BMI) have been exposed in different long-term trend studies on physical characteristics of children and adolescents [1,2]
The main findings of the present study show significant differences in bodyweight, height and BMI growth charts between the studied population and the reference parameters applied in the Extremadura Health System [11], for numerous age and gender groups, as previously reported studies in other regions from Spain [4,11]
The existence of differences between both percentile distributions could make visible the need to use new indicators, adapted to the physical and anthropometric reality of children and young people to avoid the possible normalisation of situations of thinness, overweight or obesity
Summary
Intergenerational changes in bodyweight, height, and body mass index (BMI) have been exposed in different long-term trend studies on physical characteristics of children and adolescents [1,2]. These indices of physical development show upward trends, reflected by increasing height and body mass in successive generations of young people. In Extremadura, the percentile growth charts by Faustino Orbegozo Foundation are used. They are based on Basque Country population data.
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