Physical growth assessment in adolescence.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe ponderosity indices body mass index--"BMI" and ponderal index "PI" and skin fold thicknesses (triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac) for affluent Indian school going adolescents. DESIGN: Cross sectional. METHODS: Measurements were recorded in healthy affluent school going adolescents in public schools of 12 cities in India (boys=11,863 and girls 7,694). Means and percentiles of ponderosity indices and skinfold thicknesses at yearly intervals were derived for each sex and related to sexual maturity. RESULTS: BMI, PI and skin fold thickness (SFT) were higher in girls. There was lower variability of these parameters with sexual maturity rating (breast/genital development stages) as compared to age, suggesting use of these indices in relation to sexual maturity for assessment of adolescent growth. CONCLUSION: Pediatricians and endocrinologists can use these indices for assessment of thinness and obesity, in adolescent Indian children, in relation to sexual maturity for the age.