Abstract
BackgroundSex and individual differences in biological maturity status can influence height, weight, and body fat. Thus, the rigorous control of these variables seems necessary for estimating overweight and obesity in adolescents. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and over-fatness in Azorean adolescents and to examine the contributions of chronological age, sex, estimated maturity status, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) to the risk of overweight and obesity and over-fatness.MethodsThe sample comprised 1,206 youth aged 11–15 years (626 boys and 580 girls) from the Azores Islands, Portugal. Body mass, stature, and skinfolds (triceps and subscapular) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and percent fat was predicted from skinfolds. Age- and sex-specific IOTF cut-off values of the BMI defined nutritional status. Biological maturation was estimated as present height expressed as a percentage of predicted adult (mature) stature. The CRF was analyzed from the 20-m shuttle run test.ResultsThe total prevalence rates of overweight/obesity and over-fatness were of 31% and 27%, respectively. Low CRF (unfit) and being average and advanced in maturity status were positively and significantly associated with overweight/obesity and with risk of being over-fatness in both sexes.ConclusionsHigh prevalence rates of overweight/obesity and over-fatness were identified in Azorean youth, and low CRF and advanced biological maturation were positively associated with overweight/obesity and over-fatness in our sample of adolescents.
Highlights
Sex and individual differences in biological maturity status can influence height, weight, and body fat
The evidence from recent surveys of Portuguese youth [5,6,7] suggested that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in girls than boys during childhood (
The body mass index (BMI) did not differ between boys and girls 11–13 years of age and at 15 years, but was significantly greater in girls at 14 years of age [p < 0.05]
Summary
Sex and individual differences in biological maturity status can influence height, weight, and body fat. In Portugal, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portuguese children 7–9 years, resident on the mainland in 2002–2003, was 29% in boys and 34% girls [5], while corresponding estimates for Portuguese. The evidence from recent surveys of Portuguese youth [5,6,7] suggested that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in girls than boys during childhood (
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
