The recent publication of a study in The Lancet has brought to light new estimates regarding height and Body Mass Index (BMI) trends in 2019. The data, collected from 2,181 studies conducted across 200 countries, offers insights on anthropometric measures such as height and BMI, which are crucial indicators of the quality of nutrition and health conditions during childhood and adolescence. This introductory guide will provide readers with the key points from this study, shedding light on global health issues.
Height and BMI Progress from 1985 to 2019
It has been noted that both height and BMI have increased from 1985 to 2019. However, there still remains a significant potential for growth in height, while concerns about future rise in obesity continue to grow. The growth patterns of school-aged children vary extensively across different countries, pointing towards differences in nutritional quality and lifelong health prospects.
Understanding Body Mass Index
BMI is a measure of body fat based on an individual’s weight in relation to their height. It is calculated by dividing the person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), a normal BMI range is between 18.5 to 24.9. A BMI of 25 or higher indicates overweight, while a reading of 30 or more signifies obesity. In terms of global rankings, India finds itself at third and fifth from the bottom for low BMI among 19-year-old girls and boys, respectively.
Global Differences in Height
The difference between the mean heights of the tallest and shortest nations can be as large as 20 cm or more. This translates to approximately an 8-year growth gap for girls and a 6-year gap for boys. For instance, the average height of a 19-year-old girl in India is the same as that of a 12-year-old girl from the Netherlands.
The Situation in India
India, like many developing countries, is grappling with the dual issue of overnutrition and undernutrition. Notably, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Indian adolescents is lower compared to children from developed nations. The reasons for this disparity can be traced to a host of factors including epigenetic variations, dietary habits, familial influences, parental education, income levels, and psychosocial factors.
Epigenetics and Health
Epigenetics represents changes in gene expression that don’t involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. It includes external modifications to the DNA that can switch genes on or off. These changes are significant as they determine how cells interpret genes.
A Call to Action for India
In light of these findings, there is an urgent need to conduct regular nutrition and diet surveys in India. Such initiatives can play a pivotal role in curbing the rise of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents, conditions which are often carried into adulthood and can lead to various metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, etc. It is also crucial to develop programs designed to aid the poor, starting from birth through school years.
Sources: IE
