Mean Values, Normal Limits and Sex Differences of Anthropometry of Young Adults in a University Community in Nigeria

This study assessed the weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) of young adults at Ile-Ife with a view of determining the mean values, normal limits and sex differences in the anthropometric parameters. Four hundred and eighty four (242 males and 242 females) subjects aged between 18-41 years (inclusive) were recruited for the study. The participants were age and sex-matched (mean age: 22.81±3.83years). The weight and height of the subjects were obtained using standard techniques while BMI and BSA were calculated as derivatives of height and weight. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Normal limits for height, weight and BSA were determined using 5th and 95th percentiles while normal limits for BMI were determined using 5th and 85th percentiles. The mean ± SD and normal limits of weight, height, BMI and BSA for the 484 participants were 60.94 ± 9.60kg (47.00-79.75kg), 1.67± 0.85m (1.54-1.82m), 21.82±3.02kg/ m2 (17.80-24.83 kg/ m2) and 1.68 ± 0.15m2 (1.45-1.96 m2). Among males and females respectively, the mean weight [63.43± 9.11kg and 58.46 ± 9.46kg (p <0.001, t =5.9)], height [1.72 ± 0.07m and 1.62 ± 0.07 m2 (p < 0.001, t = 15.03)], BMI [21.43 ± 2.62 and 22.20 ± 3.33(p =0.01, t = -2.83)] and BSA [1.75±0.14m2 and 1.62 ±0.13m2 (p< 0.001, t =10.34] showed significant statistical differences. The normal limits for weight, height, BMI and BSA in males and females respectively were; 50.56-82.00kg and 45.56-75.00kg; 1.61-1.85m and 1.53-1.73m; 17.80-26.90 and 17.80-28.79 and 1.53-2.00m2 and 1.41-1.87m2. BMI was significantly higher in females while other anthropometric parameters were significantly higher in males. This study provides data on anthropometric parameters among young adult Nigerians as reference values for physiological and pathophysiological evaluation and clinical management. Significant sex differences exist among young adult Nigerians with regards to weight, height, BMI and BSA. So, sex should be taken into consideration in classification of young adult Nigerians using anthropometry.