PHYSICAL GROWTH AND BODY FAT FOR BOYS FROM DIFFERENT ECONOMIC LEVELS

Abstract

In this study, we aimed at comparing physical growth and body fat (BF %) among different economic–level (EL) boys and assessing results obtained from reference data. The sample consisted of 90 students, aged 11.  Physical growth was assessed by means and percentiles (P₅ – P₉₅) of stature (ST) and body mass (BM). The BF % was obtained by Lohman’s equation (triceps + subscapular).  The BM and ST for medium and high EL boys were higher (p < 0.05). For the high EL boys, the BF % was higher (p < 0.05) than for the low EL boys.  ST and BM were similar concerning the reference data (P5 – P95). Concerning the boys, (a) only 50 % reached a great BF % for health,  (b) roughly 34 % presented BF % higher than the recommended and (c) 16 % showed low BF %.

Keywords: Stature - Socioeconomic Factors - Adiposity