Evaluation of the Physical Development of Children of Secondary School Age: аn Analysis of the Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background.Physical development is one of the leading criteria for assessing the health status of children. The body mass index (BMI) is a reliable sign of physical development disorders. The possibility of diagnosing childhood obesity, a significant problem of modern healthcare service, is of particular value. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and underweight in students aged 11 and 15 years attending educational institutions in the regions of the Russian Federation.Methods.The data is based on a prospective assessment of the screening of children. A total of 2,540 children were examined, the study included data of 2,023 schoolchildren of both sexes aged 11 and 15 years. The BMI calculation was assessed using SDS tables and centile scales (WHO, 2007).Results.When assessing the body mass index in 11-year-old boys in the regions of Russia according to SDS, obesity was determined in 18.6% of cases, overweight — in 15.4% of cases, and underweight — in 5.4% of cases. In 15-year-old boys, obesity was detected in 10% of cases, overweight — in 11.5% of cases, and underweight — in 8.5% of cases. In girls aged 11 and 15 years, obesity was detected in 9.2% and 3.6% of cases, overweight — in 14.3% and 10.5% of cases, underweight — in 10.5% and 8.9% of cases, respectively.Conclusion.In the Russian Federation, cases of underweight or overweight were detected, but these indicators do not exceed the number of children with normal parameters. A high proportion of obese boys is detected mainly due to 11-year-olds. More cases of obesity were registered in girls aged comparing with 15-year-old girls.