A STUDY OF FOOT MORPHOLOGY IN UNDERWEIGHT AND OVERWEIGHT ADOLESCENTS

Objective: The objective of the present study was to examine the impact that body mass index (BMI) has on adolescent foot morphology between 12-16 years. The purpose of the study was to categorize foot types (at, average and high arch) and rates of these foot types across underweight, normal weight, and overweight participants. Method: A total of 76 adolescents, both male and female, from Satara, Maharashtra, were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Participants who were underweight or overweight according to BMI underwent foot morphology assessments using footprint analysis. Measurements taken included foot length, arch angle, and dorsal arch height. The study design was analytical, and the duration was six months. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between BMI and foot morphology. Result: The study determined three distinct arch types: at, slender, and robust. Overweight adolescents showed a higher prevalence of at feet, correlating with increased pressure on the medial longitudinal arch. In contrast, normal-weight adolescents showed a shift towards robust and slender feet with increasing age. Underweight participants exhibited growth-related foot issues due to malnourishment. Conclusion: BMI signicantly inuences foot morphology in adolescents. Flat feet are more common in overweight adolescents due to excessive weight on the medial arch, whereas underweight adolescents face growth-related complications in foot development. Early identication and intervention may help alleviate potential health problems related to foot structure.