Sexual dimorphism in body composition of children in the North Backa region

Abstract

Introduction. Anthropometric measurements are widely used in the assessment of growth, nutritional status and body composition in children. The objective of the study was to describe growth and body composition of children using simple anthropometric measures. Material and Methods. The investigation was performed in 13 primary schools in the territory of North Backa during 2017 and at the beginning of 2018. A total of 593 schoolchildren aged 6.50 - 10.49 years (in decimals) were included in the study. The following parameters were measured: height, weight, upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness. These measurements were used to calculate the body mass index, total upper arm area, upper-arm muscle area, upper-arm fat area, and the arm fat mass percentage for each individual. Results. The study results show that children?s growth is almost linear over the first decade of life and the lean body mass increases at similar rates in boys and girls. However, girls show higher percentage of body fat and higher triceps skinfold thickness, while the body mass index is not significantly different. The secular trends in height are slowing down or have already ceased, but the weight generally continues increasing. Conclusion. Although sexual differences in anthropological measures are insignificant, the differences in body composition are evident before puberty.