Body mass index of Kuwaiti adolescents aged 10–14 years: reference percentiles and curves

摘要

The aim of this population-based study was to develop body mass index (BMI) referencestandards for Kuwaiti adolescents for use in Kuwait and other Gulf countries. All available intermediateschool students aged 10–14 years (32 624 males and 30 209 females) were measured for weightand height. Polynomial regression smoothing techniques were used to obtain the best-fitting curves forBMI percentiles. The BMI of boys at lower centiles and ages was almost always higher than girls. Athigher centiles, the BMI of girls was almost always higher than boys. The data were compared with theUnited States National Center for Health Statistics standards and data from Saudi Arabian and Iranianadolescents.