Sex and age specific differences of anthropometric parameters in Macedonian adolescents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate sex and age-specific differences of anthropometric parameters in Macedonian adolescents. This study included 1183 adolescent students (622 males and 561 females) at the age of 15 to 18 years. Anthropometric parameters, which define longitudinal and transversal measures of skeleton, were measured using standard equipment and measurement technique. BMI was calculated from body height and weight (kg/m2 ). Two skin-folds were measured: triceps and subscapular. We found a significant sex-specific difference for body height, weight, elbow and knee diameter at the age of 15 to 18 years in favour of boys. Height, weight and two transversal parameters had higher values in boys.Triceps and subscapular skin-folds as indicators for subcutaneous fat component and a valuable technique for evaluating the nutritional status had higher values in females in all age groups. Sex-specific differences were registered for triceps skin-fold at the age of 15 to 18 years, and for subscapular skin-fold at the age from 15 to 17 years in favor of females. Populations share their own genetic background and environmental factors, so anthropometric characteristics of the body of Macedonian adolescents can be used as criteria for the assessment of growth and nutrition within this group.