Distribution of body fat and characterization of anthropometric index in children

Objective: Evaluate the distribution of body fat by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and characterize the antropometric index in children. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study with children aged 7 to 11 years. A convenience sample was obtained from a previous study assessing the prevalence of obesity and overweight in 1019 children in the city of Ouro Preto-MG. A total 89 children from seven local schools were included in this study. The percentage of body fat was obtained through the use of BIA, nutritional status and characterization of the IC and WHR. Results: Of the 89 children the percentage of eutrofics, overweight and obese were 15.7% (n=14), 54% (n=48) and 30.3% (n=27). Evaluation of the distribution body through the BIA noted that girls had higher percentages of body fat than boys. As for IC, there wasn't a decrease in IC with advancing age. The values found for the RCE showed up the limits prescribed by the literature. Conclusions: In the study group, the girls had higher %BF by BIA analysis than boys. In contrast the few findings in the literature on IC in children, we did not observe a decrease in IC with increasing age, therefore, further studies are needed to establish the IC behavior in children. As regards values WHR, we observed the values are above the limit suggested in the literature, therefore, necessary measures are aimed at promoting health in this population.