Fat deposition and body mass components of Mongolian urban children and adolescents living in various social conditions

Introduction. The purpose of the study is to characterize and to compare the indicators of fat deposition and body composition in groups of urban children and adolescents of the Republic of Mongolia in various living conditions. Materials and methods. The material for this study was the results of a comprehensive survey of 5 612 Mongolian children and adolescents aged 9-17 years (born and permanently residing in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar). In accordance with the objectives of the study, the body circumferences, the skinfolds, as well as the body mass components evaluated by bioimpedance technique were analyzed. Results. Based on the obtained statistical parameters of the studied features, as well as on the results of their comparison in the studied groups, it can be concluded that the value of most of the considered indicators in children and adolescents living in apartments is higher than in their peers living in yurts. Discussion. The increase in body weight in boys living in the apartments, recorded according to the results of our previous work, is associated with an increase in active cell mass, and, as a result, – lean body mass. To a lesser extent, judging by the existing differences, its value is influenced by the fat component. While the parameters of fat deposition show a small number of significant differences, unlike circumferences, it can also be concluded that the variability of the girths is more associated with the development of the muscular component. Similar patterns were obtained for girls. However, in this case they are less pronounced, but also correspond to the previously obtained results. Conclusion. The general increase in the welfare of the population of Ulaanbaatar and significant improvement in the living conditions of the younger generation, has a positive effect on the youth physical development, primarily due to a more pronounced increase in the metabolically active components of body weight. This may be considered as an important reflection of the socio-political processes taking place in the country. © 2024. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license