Healthy Growth: project description and baseline findings.

Abstract

Important developmental differences between 12- and 1 3-year-olds were evident. Body mass index (BMI) was mainly dependent on physical maturity. No relationship was found between BMI and blood pressure. The relationship between physical activity and waist/thigh ratio merits further study. The importance of BMI and physical inactivity as potential indicators of cardiovascular risk in adolescent girls is discussed. Developmentally appropriate and culturally competent interventions are recommended to increase physical activity and healthy eating behaviors among adolescents.