Body proportions, general and abdominal obesity in adolescents from Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

We analyzed the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity (AO) in school adolescents with different body proportions, from the city of Córdoba, Argentina. This is a cross-sectional study which included 614 adolescents (11-18 years old, mean age 13,9±2,1, 51.8% girls). Data were obtained from three public high schools of Córdoba during the period 2007-2014. Body proportion was estimated via the sitting-height ratio (SHR=sitting height/total height x 100), obtaining standardized sex- and age-specific Z scores, and quartiles (Q_1-4) of these values. Overweight and obesity were calculated from the body mass index (BMI=weight(kg)/height(m)²], and were defined according to the references provided by the World Health Organization, obtaining sex- and age-specific Z scores. AO was determined using the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR=waist circumference / height); AO was established when WHtR≥0.5. In general, it was observed that, compared with individuals with lower SHR, those with higher SHR (with relatively shorter legs) have higher mean BMI and WHtR Z scores, together with a higher prevalence of overweight, general obesity and AO. While this pattern is statistically significant in girls, it is also found in boys, although less markedly and without reaching statistical significance. Considering the adverse effects of obesity on the current and future health of adolescents, individuals with high levels of SHR should be given special attention in nutritional and growth studies.