Body size of New Zealand Pacific Islands children and teenagers.

AIM

To describe the mean height, weight and body mass index of Pacific Islands children aged 5-18 years residing in New Zealand and compare them with international reference charts commonly used in New Zealand.

METHODS

Data from three data sets were used, which included 816 children from most Pacific countries with measurements being obtained in Auckland and Wellington. Mean values and 95% confidence intervals were compared to National Center for Health Statistics (USA) standards for height and weight.

RESULTS

The mean height of males and females was on about the 95th percentile from age 5 to about age 10-11. During the teenage years it moved to the 50th percentile. Mean weight remained close to the 95th percentile until the mid teens and then it fell below the 95th percentile later in the teenage years.

CONCLUSION

Mean body height and weight of Pacific Islands children were very high compared with international standards especially between 5-12 years and new Polynesian standards need to be developed.