A follow-up study of adiposity and growth of Jerusalem schoolchildren from age 6 to 14 years

This study evaluated growth and change in adiposity from childhood to early adolescence in 587 Jerusalem schoolchildren examined in both the first and eighth grades. Mean body mass index, height, and weight were determined according to demographic variables and menstrual status and were compared to international reference populations. Menstruating females were taller and heavier than nonmenstruating females at both ages and were more overweight at age 14 years. Height and weight were positively correlated with social class for boys, and few differences were found among ethnic groups. Study subjects were shorter than reference subjects, and study girls were more overweight than reference girls at age 14 years. Our findings suggest that previously demonstrated ethnic differences in growth and adiposity among Israeli children are disappearing. Adolescent girls appear to be at greatest risk for developing obesity. The relationship of pubertal status to body size and obesity at and between the two ages is discussed.