title: The 2nd Hungarian National Growth Study (2003-2006).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Secular changes in the pattern of growth and maturation have been analysed by many regional surveys in Hungary during the last century. The first representative Hungarian National Growth Study was carried out between 1980-1983.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The main objectives of the 2nd Hungarian National Growth Study (2003-2006) were to construct reference data of the most important indicators of body development and nutritional status in Hungarian children (aged 3-18 years, n = 25 278); to analyse the influence of nutrition, habitual physical activity and socio-economic background factors on body development; to study secular changes in the pattern of development in Hungary in the last 20 years; and to analyse the relationship between body development and psychic health.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anthropometric dimensions and proportions, sexual maturity status, body composition, nutritional status and body shape were used for body developmental estimation. Some indicators of psychic health were also investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reference centiles and data of all absolute body dimensions, some relative body dimensions and the pattern of eating and habitual physical activity have been constructed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Secular changes in the growth and maturation pattern are still taking place in the Hungarian population; sexual maturation in boys has shifted to a younger age.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Anthropology, Eotvos Lorand University, 1117 Budapest, Pazmany P. s. 1/c , Hungary. zsakaia@elte.hu
authors.forename: Annamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zsakai
authors.forename: Eva B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Bodzsar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors