Biological maturation and the distribution of subcutaneous fat from adolescence into adulthood: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Study.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze differences in the development of a trunk-oriented fat distribution pattern between 13 and 27 years of age in individuals who either matured rapidly or slowly in adolescence.

DESIGN

Longitudinal, observational, four annual measurements between 1977 and 1980 and additional measurements in 1985 and 1991.

SUBJECTS

79 boys, 98 girls, health Caucasian schoolchildren, classified as rapidly, normally or slowly maturing.

MEASUREMENTS

biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac skinfolds resulting in two skinfold ratios, body mass index, skeletal age, peak height velocity (for boys only), age at menarche.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between rapidly and slowly maturing boys and girls, based on the skeletal age or the peak height velocity. Girls with a relatively early menarche showed significant higher mean skinfold ratios between 13 and 27 years of age than girls with a relatively late menarche.

CONCLUSION

Skeletal maturation of boys and girls and peak height velocity (only measured in boys) are not associated with a trunk-oriented fat distribution pattern between 13 and 27 years of age. Only a relatively early menarche in girls seems to be associated with a trunk-oriented fat distribution pattern from adolescence into adulthood.