Sex and ethnic differences of somatotype in Macedonian adolescents

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex-specific and ethnic differences of somatotype in Macedonian adolescents at the age of 18 years. Methods. In this study 269 adolescent students (137 males and 132 females), from Macedonian and Albanian nationality at age of 18 years were included from secondary schools in three cities (Skopje, Ohrid and Strumica) in R. Macedonia. Ten anthropometric parameters were measured using standard equipment and measurement technique to assess the somatotype according to Heat–Carter somatotyping method. Results. There were significant sex differences for mesomorph component in both ethnic groups in favor of male adolescents, and significant sex differences for endomorph component in favor of females from Albanian nationality. Males from both ethnic groups were more mesomorphic than females and belonged to mesomorph-endomorph, endomorph mesomorph, balanced ectomorph and central somatotype. Females were more endomorphic and belonged to endomorph-ectomorph, ectomorphic endomorph, balanced endomorph, mesomorph endomorph. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that ethnic groups should be taken in mind for easier evaluation and understanding of differences in anthropometric parameters of growth, body shape and composition in Macedonian adolescents.