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BMI Fails to Reflect the Developmental Changes in Body Fatness between Boys and Girls during Adolescence

Author

Listed:
  • Alan M. Nevill

    (Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall WS1 3BD, UK)

  • Cézane Priscila Reuter

    (Graduate Program in Health Promotion, University of Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul 96816-501, Brazil)

  • Caroline Brand

    (Graduate Program in Health Promotion, University of Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul 96816-501, Brazil)

  • Anelise Reis Gaya

    (School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil)

  • Jorge Mota

    (Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal)

  • Jane Dagmar Pollo Renner

    (Graduate Program in Health Promotion, University of Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul 96816-501, Brazil)

  • Michael J. Duncan

    (Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences Research Centre, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK)

Abstract

Body mass index (BMI) is thought to reflect excess adiposity in both youth and adults alike. However, the association between BMI and fatness varies, especially as children grow into adults. Thus, the present study sought to address this issue by characterizing how BMI reflects age and sex differences in body fatness in 7–16-year-old children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 2150 children and adolescents, aged 7 to 16 years from the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil. BMI (kg/m 2 ), and percentage body fat, using tricipital and subscapular folds, were assessed. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and ANCOVA were used. Results: When considered in isolation, there was no significant interaction in the age-by-sex differences in BMI ( p = 0.69). However, when we controlled for percent body fatness, the analysis revealed considerable age-by-sex differences in BMI ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: For the same body fat (%), there are no differences in BMI in children <10 years.

Suggested Citation

  • Alan M. Nevill & Cézane Priscila Reuter & Caroline Brand & Anelise Reis Gaya & Jorge Mota & Jane Dagmar Pollo Renner & Michael J. Duncan, 2021. "BMI Fails to Reflect the Developmental Changes in Body Fatness between Boys and Girls during Adolescence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:7833-:d:600272
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    Cited by:

    1. Katharina C. Wirnitzer & Clemens Drenowatz & Armando Cocca & Derrick R. Tanous & Mohamad Motevalli & Gerold Wirnitzer & Manuel Schätzer & Gerhard Ruedl & Werner Kirschner, 2021. "Health Behaviors of Austrian Secondary Level Pupils at a Glance: First Results of the From Science 2 School Study Focusing on Sports Linked to Mixed, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-23, December.

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