Resumen

CAMPOS CAVADA¹, Isabel  y  MACIAS-TOMEI¹, Coromoto. Fatness and fat distribution pattern in children of Caracas from 4-7 years. An Venez Nutr [online]. 2003, vol.16, n.1, pp.5-10. ISSN 0798-0752.

Abstract: In adults, the risk of non-transmissible chronic diseases is associated with fatness and fat distribution pattern. In children, the relationship between these features and metabolic and endocrinologic diseases has also been studied. To study the fatness and the fat distribution pattern in pediatric population, 72 boys and 57 girls aged 4-7 years were studied. Weight, height, mid arm circumference, triceps skinfold (TRSK) and subscapular skinfold (SSK) were measured following international techniques, as web as derived antropometric indicators: Body mass index (BMI), sum of two skinfolds (∑TRSK + SSK), Arm fat area (AFA), SS/TR index and Centripetal Index (CI).The means of TRSK, SSK, AFA and BMI were similar to the values of national reference. In the girls, fatness indicators, increased with age, with a sexual dimorphism statistically significant at 7 years of age. The highest prevalences of obesity was found in boys of 4 years (20,0%) and girls 7 years (30,8%). Considering the SS/TR Index, the peripheral fat distribution (≤1) in both sexes. With BMI, the correlation was positive with fatness indicators in boys and girls, at all ages; and with the fat distribution index in boys at 7 years of age. A high BMI could be considered as a risk factor for non- transmissible chronic diseases. An Venez Nutr 2003;(16)1:5-10.

Palabras clave : Fatness; fat distribution pattern; risk factors; Children; Caracas.