Comparison of the Mean Values of Body Mass Index of Girls and Boys Aged 7-12 Years in Isfahan with Standard Values

Abstract

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is one of the physical features of individuals that is related to physical health. The maintenance of this index at a normal range during childhood play a significant role in avoiding complications, such as diseases associated with underweight or overweight. The purpose of this study was to determine the mean BMI in primary school and also compare the obtained results with those of the global average. Methods: This descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 children within the age range of 7-12 years old using a cluster random sampling method from a population of 154853 schoolchildren in Isfahan, Iran. Regarding gender distribution, an equal number of male and female students were enrolled in the current study. To this end, the height and weight were measured using a standard meter and scale to determine body mass index. Moreover, One-way ANOVA was used to compare the means of the present study with those of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs). The Excel software was utilized for figures. Findings: The means BMI for boys and girls were 17.06 and 17.47, respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean values of the present study with those of global standard (P= 0.764). Conclusion: The comparison of the results of the present study with the standard values of CDCs showed that the health status of girls and boys in the city of Isfahan is similar. Furthermore, the CDCs tables can be used for children within the age range of 7-12 years.