COMPARISON OF BODY FAT PERCENTAGES BETWEEN BOY AGE 11 and 12 YEARS OLD IN PERAK,THE SOCIO ECONOMIC INFLUENCE

C.H.Wong, H.Fazlina, H. Tun & C.P.Lee

Fitkids Club, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

The percentage of obesity among the children nowadays in Malaysia has been documented gradually increased. The ratio of fat and obese children and adolescents has increased markedly during the past 20 years in Perak state (C.P.Lee, 2003). Physical activities are the main factor as the cause of obesity among the children due to the societal and environmental advancement of every country and its technological advancement. The other environmental factors may influence the increasing of the ratio of obesity is the socio economic status of the family (Sundquist, J & Johansson, S., 1998).The aim of this study is to compare the body fat percentages of children age 11 and 12 years old based on socio economic influence.

Subjects: A total 163 children age 11 years old and 173 childrens age 12 years old were randomly selected in government school in the State of Perak at KK=Kuala Kangsar, TM=Tanjung Malim, SM=Seri Manjung, B=Bidor

Methods: These subjects were tested on their body fat content (BFC) by measuring five sites for skinfolds. The sites measured were the biceps, triceps, scapular, suprailiac and medial side of the calf.

RESULT

Descriptive and comparative statistics for relative body fat content (%)

District / KK / TM / SM / B
Age / Mean / SD / Mean / SD / Mean / SD / Mean / SD / P
11 / 22.17 / 7.78 / 11.77 / 5.57 / 14.23 / 5.74 / 14.24 / 7.96 / <0.05
12 / 20.92 / 6.65 / 12.61 / 6.24 / 16.26 / 4.73 / 19.56 / 7.72 / <0.05

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION

Based on the measurement in the experiment, we have concluded that the socio status and its environment have a high influence towards BFC in all children. It has been documented in many studies of past decades that body fat content is a serious issue and the only effective curative measures is the increase in physical activities and a sporting culture. Dietary restriction and other forms of treatment have not been successful and cannot maintain an optimal percentage of body fat content in all age groups.

REFERENCES:

  1. C.P.Lee(2003):Comparison of anthropometric characteristics and motor performance scores in Malaysia boys. An inter – disciplinary approach
  2. Sundquist, J & Johansson, S(1998): The influence of socioeconomic status, ethnicity and lifestyle on body mass index in a longitudinal study.Int.J.Epidermiology. 27:57-63.
  3. Musaiger, A.O. & Gregory, W.B.(2000): Profile of body composition of school children (6-18y) in Bahrain, Int.J.Obesity. 24:1093-1096
  4. Y.Wang(2001): Cross-national comparison of childhood obesity: the epidemic and the relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status. Int.J.Epidemiology.30:1129-1136

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