[Secular increase of adipose tissue in adolescents from Zaragoza from 1980 to 1995]

To quantify the differences between anthropometric measurements obtained nowadays in male and female adolescents and those obtained 15 years ago in a sample of similar characteristics.

We have studied 658 healthy individuals, 329 males and 329 females from 10.0 to 15.0 years of age, from different socioeconomic levels. Weight, height, arm circumference and left skinfold thickness (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) have been measured. We have calculated the body mass index (BMI), density, total body fat, percentage of body fat and the body adipose muscular index (BAMI), which is the ratio between body fat (kg) and non fat mass (kg). The values obtained have been compared with those obtained fifteen years ago, in another sample of 1,465 children with similar characteristics. The research team and the material used were the same in both studies. Mean differences were compared using the unpaired t-test.

Weight has increased significantly (p < 0.05), except for males at 12 years and females at 13 and at 14 years. Height has increased significantly at all ages and in males and females (p < 0.05). BMI has only increased significantly at 10 and at 11 years in males, and at 10 years in females. Skinfold thicknesses have also increased significantly, except for biceps in males between ages of 12 and 14 years and biceps and subscapular in females at 14 years. Body fat mass and percentage of body fat have also increased significantly and, in consequence, the density has decreased and BAMI has increased both significantly (p < 0.05).

Secular increase in weight and height during fifteen years has occurred. In general, BMI has not increased but skinfold thicknesses and body fat have increased significantly, this fact demonstrates that there has been increase in the body fat compartment.