Growth studies in Jena, Germany: Changes in body size and subcutaneous fat distribution between 1975 and 1995

This report presents results of an anthropological investigation on Jena, Germany, schoolchildren from 1995. Stature and weight, body mass index (BMI), and four skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac) are presented for children 7-14 years of age and are compared with results of investigations on schoolchildren carried out in Jena in 1975 and 1985. Between those years, in both sexes there were no significant differences in stature, weight, and consequently in the BMI. In this timespan, a trend toward a reduction of subcutaneous fat was noted. A different development was observed in the period 1985-1995. Stature as well as body weight increased, and because the increase in weight was greater than expected from the increase in stature, there also was an increase in the BMI. A large increase in overall subcutaneous fatness was also found. In 1995, the highest amount of body fat was observed in Jena children since 1975. Changes in the distribution of subcutaneous fat tissue occurred. Between 1975 and 1985, the ratio of trunk to extremity skinfolds (T/E ratio) decreased significantly in boys and girls in all ages, but increased between 1985 and 1995. In spite of this increase, children had the largest T/E ratio in 1975. Changes in the nutritional situation and other factors in living conditions, possibly related to the unification of Germany in 1989 influencing somatic development, are considered. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 10:579-587, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.