Variation in relative fat distribution associated with maturational timing: The Wrocław Growth study

Complete longitudinal data of 136 boys aged 8-16 years and 124 girls aged 8-15 years were used to evaluate the association between maturational timing and the relative distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue, specifically a trunk-oriented pattern of distribution. Age at peak height velocity (PHV) was the indicator of maturational timing and three skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, abdomen) were the indicators of subcutaneous fatness. Principal components analysis of the three skinfolds was used to identify indicators of relative subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution. Age at PHV and chronological age significantly influenced scores on the first principal components, which indicated centripetal fat patterning. The data suggest that early maturing subjects accumulate more subcutaneous adipose tissue on the lower trunk compared with later maturing peers of the same age and sex.