Variabilidad del peso, la estatura y el índice de masa corporal según desarrollo puberal y tipo de colegio en adolescentes de Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Studies of growth variation in adolescents according to puberal development and socio-economic conditions is lacking for Medellin city. Aim: to analyze weight, height and body mass index (BMI) variability according to puberal development and type of school in adolescents from Medellin. Subjects and methods: Adolescents of both sexes at stages II to V of Tanner puberal development previously involved in the study "Cardiovascular risk factors in Medellin 1998-1999" were selected. Weight, height and BMI (Kg/m2) data were analyzed according to puberal development and type of school (public or private). Results: Males from private schools had weight (p=0.000), height (p=0.001) and BMI (p=0.002) greater than those from public schools, without interaction of puberal development and type of school (p>0.05). In females, weight and height were greater in adolescents from private schools (p=0.000) showing an interaction between puberal development and type of school (weight p=0.013; height p=0.040); school type did not influence BMI (p=0.347), although there was interaction with puberal development (p=0.013). In the beginning BMI was greater for private schools women and then the situation became inverted at the end of puberal development (Tanner V). Conclusion: puberal development influences both males and females growth. However, the different magnitude on BMI and stages at which they occur could be related to cultural factors in women.