Comparison of Anthropometric and Body Composition Characteristics in Children and Adolescents of Asian Indian Origin: Santiniketan Maturity Study

Objective: The present cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate the anthropometry and body composition characteristics during puberty and adolescence in children and adolescents of Asian Indian origin. Methods: A total of 305 healthy children and adolescents (152 males and 153 females) aged 9 to 20 years took part in the study. The study population was divided into four age groups: Group I= 9-11 years; Group II= 12-14 years; Group III= 15-17 years and Group IV= 17 years and above. Height, weight, circumferences of mid upper arm, waist and hip as well as skinfold thickness were collected using standard techniques. Body composition measures namely percentage of body fat, fat mass fat free mass, arm muscle circumference, arm muscle area and arm fat area were also considered. Results: One way analysis of variance revealed that there were significant (p<0.001) age group differences for mean values of anthropometric and body composition characteristics. Percentage of body fat showed significant (p<0.001) sex difference in the mean value for all four age groups. It was observed that for both male and female %BF, FM, FFM, AMC, AMA and AFA had significantly higher mean values in groups with presence of secondary sexual characteristics (for male) and menarche (for female) compared to those who did not attain the same. There existed significant (p<0.01) sex difference for biological maturity status by age groups and sex. Conclusion: Greater fat mass in females and greater muscle mass in males could be attributed to the onset of differential sex steroids during puberty.