Body Compositio
Body Composition Changes Among 7-14 Years old Male
Children Living in Ankara Province - A Fifteen Year Cross-Sectional Study
Cengiz AKALAN, Ph.D.
Ankara University, School of
Physical Education and Sports
Office: +90 312 600 01 00 /
ext. 1631 - 1583; Fax: +90 312 212 29 86, [email protected]
Abstract: Childhood obesity has increased worldwide, which
raises the risk of morbidity and mortality for numerous chronic conditions in
adulthood. Purpose of this study is to determine the changes in body
composition among Turkish male children living in Ankara -The Capital- in
fıfteen years from 1995 to 2010. A total of 2400 boys age 7-10 years
(n= 1200) and 11-14 years (n=1200) were assessed for body composition in
1995,2000.2005 and 2010. Statistical analyses identified a significant increase
in total body weight, body mass index ratio (BMI-body size), and sum of five
skinfold (ediposity) scores (p<0.05) within fifteen years. As
in many countries around the world, the prevalance of owerweight and obesity
among children appears to be rising in Ankara province. The promotion of
physical activity and nutrition education are recommended at a young age to
prevent the progression of chronic illnesses associated with overweight and
obesity. [Cengiz AK. Body
Composition Changes Among 7-14 Years old Male Children Living in Ankara
Province - A Fifteen Year Cross-Sectional Study. Life
Sci J 2013;10(4s):348-353] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 53
Keywords: Children, Fitness, Obesity, Body Composition.
