Overweight prognostic value in adolescent boys: 10-year prospective study

Abstract

Aim. To assess dynamics, stability, and prognostic value of overweight (OW) in adolescent boys. Material and methods. This prospective study included 376 adolescent boys. During 10-year follow-up, five clinical examinations were performed (at the age of 12, 13, 15, 17, and 22 years). Examination program included measuring body weight and height, body mass index (BMI), subscapular, abdominal, and triceps skin fold thickness, pubescence assessment. Results. In pubescence period, anthropometry dynamics demonstrated formation of adult obesity type, with central subcutaneous adiposity. OW and obesity prevalence increased as early as in late pubertal period (after 15 years). More than in 50% of the adolescent boys, OW was registered in early adulthood period. Among 22-year-olds, 54,5% suffered from OW or obesity in early adolescence. BMI increase in adolescence was associated with its later stabilization (tracking) and increased risk of OW and obesity in early adulthood. OW and obesity in early adulthood were observed in adolescent boys with OW or high-normal BMI. Conclusion. The observed age dynamics of anthropometric parameters points to the need for early preventive measures in risk groups and general population, starting in pre-pubertal or early pubertal periods.

Keywords

• overweight
• obesity
• tracking
• adolescents
• prospective follow-up