Secular changes in body height and weight in children and adolescents in Poznan, Poland, between 1880 and 2000

Abstract

AIM: A secular trend in body height and weight is well documented. The first observations concerning this phenomenon in Poland were made at the end of the 19th century. The aim of this study was to assess changes in body height and weight during the 20th century, with special emphasis on the last decade. METHODS: The results of body height and weight measurements obtained in eight subsequent surveys (1880-1886, 1922-1927, 1946-1950, 1960-1961, 1970-1971, 1980-1981, 1990-1991 and 1999-2000) were included in the analysis. Mean values were compared and differences between the surveys were analysed. RESULTS: In general, in the 20th century, children grew taller and heavier and reached final body height and weight more rapidly. The biggest differences in body height and weight in the 20th century, observed at growth spurt, were about 17 cm and 11 kg, respectively, for boys, and 13 cm and 13 kg for girls. The magnitude of secular changes in body height and weight in the 20th century was not stable. There were periods of increased and decreased intensity of acceleration of physical development (the 1950s and 1970s, and the 1960s and 1980s, respectively), as well as a period of deceleration (the 1940s). In the last decade, the tendency has been towards deceleration in most age groups studied. CONCLUSION: The acceleration of physical development in children in Poznan has now ceased.