Author/Authors :
Bin Zaal, A.A. Ministry of Health - Department of Preventive Medicine, United Arab Emirates , Brebner, J. University of Aberdeen - Department of General Practice and Primary Care, United Kingdom , Musaiger, A.O. Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research, Bahrain , D’Souza, R. Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research, Bahrain
Abstract :
Anthropometric measurements and the prevalence of overweight and obesity were studied in 661 adolescents aged 12–17 years from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Mean values for height and weight increased steadily with age in both sexes. Mean values for waist circumference ranged from 70.8–76.6 cm in males and 64.0–68.8 cm in females. Hip circumference varied from 84.8–91.2 cm in males and 84.9–91.2 cm in females. Body mass index was generally higher in males than in females (range 21.9–23.6 kg/m2 and 19.8–24.1 kg/m2 respectively). The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.3% and 21.6% in males and 12.3% and 19.5% in females. This study confirms the high incidence of overweight and obesity in Dubai adolescents.
