Changes in body mass index and subcutaneous fat among 11-year-old children in Zagreb (Croatia), 1982-2006

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to describe secular trends in body mass index and subcutaneous fat among 11-year-old children in Zagreb (Croatia) between 1982 and 2006. The sample consisted of 52 participants in 1982 (23 boys and 29 girls) and 89 participants in 2006 (37 boys and 53 girls). Height, weight and triceps, calf, suprailiac and subscapular skinfolds were measured and body mass index and central to peripheral skinfold ratio were calculated. During the study period, body mass index increased by a mean of 0.7 kg/m2 in boys and 1.4 kg/m2 in girls (p=0.03), while the mean increase in the sum of skinfolds amounted to 8.4 mm in boys and 5.8 mm in girls (p=0.02). At the same time, no change in body fat distribution was noted (p=0.48). The proportion of overweight children increased in girls (from 4% to 27%; p=0.03), but did not change in boys (from 14 to 19%; p=0.58). In conclusion, disturbing secular trends in adiposity of 11-year-old children were noted in this study. Intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity are warranted in order to reverse such trends.