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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Physical growth assessment in adolescence
K N Agarwal1, A Saxena, A K Bansal
1Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110 057, India. kna_ped@yahoo.com
Objective:
To describe ponderosity indices body mass index--"BMI" and ponderal index "PI" and skin fold thicknesses (triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac) for affluent Indian school going adolescents.
Design:
Cross sectional.
Methods:
Measurements were recorded in healthy affluent school going adolescents in public schools of 12 cities in India (boys=11,863 and girls 7,694). Means and percentiles of ponderosity indices and skinfold thicknesses at yearly intervals were derived for each sex and related to sexual maturity.
Results:
BMI, PI and skin fold thickness (SFT) were higher in girls. There was lower variability of these parameters with sexual maturity rating (breast/genital development stages) as compared to age, suggesting use of these indices in relation to sexual maturity for assessment of adolescent growth.
Conclusion:
Pediatricians and endocrinologists can use these indices for assessment of thinness and obesity, in adolescent Indian children, in relation to sexual maturity for the age.
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