BODY MASS INDEX (QUETELET) IN A NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF 88,861 18 YEAR OLD BOYS. ARGENTINA, 1987.

摘要

Body Mass Index (Quetelet) (BMI) (weight/height2) is widely used as indicator of nutritional status in children. This index was evaluated in 49% of the total national population of 18 year old boys, on the basis of standardized measurements carried out during the medical examination for military service. Mean BMI for the whole sample was 22.1 ± 0.01 Kg/m2 ( ±SE) greater than those found in other countries. Frequency distributions were in all provinces skewed to the right. Taking 30.1 as upper normal limit, obesity prevalence by province ranged from 0.9% (Jujuy) to 3.4% (Buenos Aires), with a cut-off point of 25.1, prevalence ranged between 3.9 (Misiones) and 15.1 (Federal District). National prevalence of obesity was 2.5 and 12.1% for each limit respectively. The results may help the design of health care and education strategies. The participation of the Health Statistics Direction, and the periodic and regular replication of the surgery, will allow the long term growth and nutrition monitoring of this age group, as well as the evaluation of secular trends.