Longitudinal changes in adiposity during adolescence: a population-based cohort

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Adolescent Health
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• Understanding body composition changes during adolescence is crucial for long-term health.
• Sociodemographic and behavioral factors at the onset of puberty may influence adiposity trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) from age 13 to 17.
• To identify how early adolescent characteristics impact BMI and BF% changes.

Main Methods:

• A community-based cohort of 1451 adolescents in Porto, Portugal was studied.
• BMI z-scores and BF% were assessed annually from age 13 to 17.
• Linear regression models identified determinants of adiposity changes, with sex-specific adjustments.

Main Results:

• BMI z-scores and BF% generally decreased from ages 13 to 17 in both sexes.
• Girls with higher baseline BMI z-scores and later age at menarche showed decreased BMI trends.
• Boys with higher parental BMI showed increased BMI z-scores; those desiring a larger physique had decreased BF%.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent aging naturally leads to reduced BMI z-scores and BF%.
• Baseline BMI and BF% at age 13 are significant predictors of these trends.
• Adolescence represents a potential critical window for targeted health interventions.