The increase in chronic diseases related to obesity has recently reached a level considered epidemic by the World Health Organization. The phenomenon is all the more serious because, by also affecting children and adolescents, it is responsible for the progressive deterioration of the health of future generations. This study was undertaken to monitor early risk factors for obesity and to contribute to updating regional and nation-wide anthropometric data. Five hundred and three subjects (190 boys, 313 girls) aged between 14 and 18 attending the "Socrate" secondary school in Bari (Italy) were examined. Standard anthropometric variables, impedentiometric measurements, and nutritional and behavioral data related to sports activities were recorded. Subjects' body composition fell within normal Italian and international ranges for almost all parameters, except height, which was higher than the Italian average. With respect to standard BMI values, although some boys and girls were underweight, 14.1% and 10.2% respectively were overweight and 2.6% and 0.3% obese. A decrease in average age at menarche (11.7 years) was also recorded. Lifestyle analysis revealed frequent sports activities (70%), but sedentary use of leisure time.
Accrescimento e composizione corporea di adolescenti baresi
VACCA, Eligio;
2014-01-01
Abstract
The increase in chronic diseases related to obesity has recently reached a level considered epidemic by the World Health Organization. The phenomenon is all the more serious because, by also affecting children and adolescents, it is responsible for the progressive deterioration of the health of future generations. This study was undertaken to monitor early risk factors for obesity and to contribute to updating regional and nation-wide anthropometric data. Five hundred and three subjects (190 boys, 313 girls) aged between 14 and 18 attending the "Socrate" secondary school in Bari (Italy) were examined. Standard anthropometric variables, impedentiometric measurements, and nutritional and behavioral data related to sports activities were recorded. Subjects' body composition fell within normal Italian and international ranges for almost all parameters, except height, which was higher than the Italian average. With respect to standard BMI values, although some boys and girls were underweight, 14.1% and 10.2% respectively were overweight and 2.6% and 0.3% obese. A decrease in average age at menarche (11.7 years) was also recorded. Lifestyle analysis revealed frequent sports activities (70%), but sedentary use of leisure time.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
