OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between inadequate body composition and sociodemographic factors in adolescents. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 627 adolescent boys and girls aged 14 to 17 years old from a town with a low/medium human development index. Sociodemographic (gender, age, socioeconomic level, and area of residence) and anthropometric data (body weight, height, waist circumference, and thickness of five skinfolds) were collected. The Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal was applied to analyze inadequate body composition. RESULTS:The prevalence of inadequate body composition was 24.1%. Inadequate indices of adiposity were more prevalent among adolescent males (PR 3.16; 95%CI 1.72-5.82) from high/medium socioeconomic strata (PR 2.44; 95%CI 1.55-3.85), whereas the age of 14-15 years old was a protective factor against inadequate body composition (PR 0.58; 95%CI 0.37-0.90) compared to older ages (16-17 years old). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate body composition was associated with gender, age and socioeconomic level. Interventions should consider the sociodemographic characteristics of the target population.
anthropometry; nutritional status; social class
