Longitudinal study of anthropometric measurements in Parisian children aged ten months to 18 years

Aim. - To describe growth parameters in children followed longitudinally from 10 months of age to 18 years and to compare these data with reference values obtain in children born 30 years earlier. Subjects and method. - A follow study started in 1985 in Paris Health Centres at the ages of 10 months, 2 and 4 years and subsequently at home every 2 years. Anthropometric data were compared with reference values derived from the French sample of the International Longitudinal Growth study which started in 1953-59. Results. - As compared to the reference values, children were taller. At the age of 18 years, in boys, height increase was 5.6 cm. This difference appeared as early as at the age of 12 years. Height increase in girls was 1.6 cm, but this difference was greater at 12. Thereafter, height gain was smaller than 30 years before. The Skelique index was greater due to longer leg length. Fat mass was higher and displayed a more android pattern. A higher prevalence of overweight appeared from the age of 8 years. Conclusion. - Nowadays, growth processes seem unfavourable as compared to 30 years earlier. Fast growth, long leg length, android body fat distribution and overweight are associated with risk factors of various pathologies (cardiovascular diseases and cancer). Factors promoting these changes over time deserve to be explored more fully. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.