Gender Differences in Anthropometric Measurements and Body Composition in 5 to 10 year Children

Research studies and surveys have documented gender differences in anthropometric parameters and body composition in pre-school children and adolescent boys and girls. There are very few publications on gender differences nutritional status and body composition of 5-10 year children. A study was taken up to assess changes in anthropometric measurements and body composition, in relation to age, in 1063 girls and boys studying in government primary schools. Mean height, weight and BMI for age were higher in boys as compared to girls till 8 years. Stunting rates were higher, underweight and wasting rates were lower in boys up to 7 years of age. Mean Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and Waist Circumference (WC) were higher in boys till 10 years of age; but the difference narrowed when the children were over-nourished (BAZ>+1). Mean fat mass index was similar in boys and girls till 8 years; thereafter fat mass index in girls was substantially higher. Girls were shorter and lighter but had higher fat mass index for any BMI as compared to boys. Boys had higher fat free mass index across BMI groups as compared to girls but the difference in fat free mass index between girls and boys decreased with increasing BMI. With pre-pubertal growth spurt in girls from 8 years, the gender differences in anthropometric indices between girls and boys decreased. From 8 years, gender differences in fat mass index increased due to increase in fat mass index in girls.