title: Anthropometric characteristics and obesity among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: A A Bin
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Zaal
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brebner
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Musaiger
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Souza
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D049628:Body Size; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D015995:Prevalence; D014479:United Arab Emirates; D055105:Waist Circumference