Pattern of fat distribution (waist to hip ratio) and its relationship with BMI among high school girls in Lahijan

Obesity is one of the most important public health problems of adolescents in developed countries. Recently, the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically among adolescents of developing countries as a result of changes in life style and rapid growth of urbanization of societies. Considering that adolescent obesity is related to an increased adult morbidity and mortality, the present study was carried out in high school girls aged 14-17 years living in Lahijan in 2000-2001 to determine the pattern of fat distribution and its relationship with Body Mass Index (BMI). In this descriptive-analytical study, 400 students were selected by random stratified sampling. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured and BMI and WHR were calculated. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program and Pearson correlation and ANOVA tests. The prevalences of obesity and overweight were 5.3% and 14.8%, respectively. On the basis of WHR, 21.5% of subjects and 66.7% of obese girls had a central pattern of fat distribution. A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and WHR (r=0.35, P<0.0001). Results showed that in obese adolescent girls, fat deposition occurs in the body’s centeral regions. Since central obesity has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, implementation and monitoring of individual and groups nutritional and physical activity programs is recommended for this age group. (as individuals and groups).