Morphological characteristics and body composition in premenarcheal and postmenarcheal girls from Vršac

Abstract

Puberty is one of the most important periods in the growth process during which there is a change of body proportions and body composition. The aim of this study was to determine the height, body mass, fat mass and nutritional status in premenarcheal and postmenarcheal girls. Transversal study according to the instructions of IBP was carried out in 2003 in primary schools in Vrsac. The study included 442 girls aged 10 to 18 years. The body height, body mass, the volume of the relaxed upper arms skinfold thickness and scapular skinfold triceps thicknesses were measured. The data on the time of menarche were collected. The median menarche was 12.50 ± 0.09 years. Postmenarcheal girls have significantly higher average values of height, weight and body mass index at the age of 11 to 14, with the exception of height at 13 years of age - body mass index and the age of 11. Fat and upper arm muscle area and percentage of body fat to total body weight was higher in all ages of postmenarcheal girls, a significant difference from 12 to 14 years of age. The percentage of overweight and obes (21.7%) postmenarcheal girls is significantly higher (χ2 = 21.168, p = 0.000) than with premenarcheal girls (7.4%). The period of puberty is associated with increased growth, fat mass and obesity.

Keywords

• premenarcheal
• postmenarcheal
• girls
• fat mass
• Vrsac