Magnitude and pace of secular trends of body proportions among young adults with different place of origin, between 2001 and 2019.

The aim of this study was to analyse the occurrence and pace of secular trends regarding body proportions among young adults representing different place of origin, studying in Bydgoszcz (Poland). The data constituted of the results of anthropometric measurements of 1,199 young adults (340 male and 859 female) performed between 2001 and 2019. Selected body build parameters were measured and the following indices were calculated on their basis: upper-limb index, lower-limb index, inter-limb index, chest depth-to-breadth ratio, pelvi-acromial index, reciprocal ponderal index. The place of origin was self-reported by the participants and recorded by the researchers. Based on that piece of information the participants were divided into two categories: villages and small cities, big cities. Considering the pace of the changes, they occurred the fastest for the pelvi-acromial index and the slowest in the case of the lower limb index, which concerned both urbanisation categories. Between 2001-05 and 2016-19 analysed changes generally occurred faster in the high-urbanisation category than in the low-urbanisation one, except for chest depth-to-breadth ratio and lower limb index in male participants as well as reciprocal-ponderal index and pelvi-acromial index among women. In conclusion, obtained results allow observing the changes in selected body proportions occurring over the years 2001-2019 in the population of young adults from Poland. Additionally, the findings can help identify and address risk factors related to specific proportions of the body and present in the contemporary population.

Analysis of Changes in Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents (11-15 Years) From Kraków (Poland) During COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has posed a threat to society worldwide. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the physical fitness of 11- to 15-year-olds during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Cross-sectional research was conducted in randomly selected schools in Kraków (Poland) during the years 2020 and 2022. The study group included 1635 adolescents aged 11-15 years. The results of fitness tests such as flexibility, standing broad jump, handgrip strength, overhead medicine ball throw, shuttle run (10 × 5 m), and 30-second sit-ups were analyzed. Body height and weight measurements were also taken. The standing broad jump and handgrip strength were normalized. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences between groups using 2-way analysis of variance with the Tukey HSD post hoc test or Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The test results revealed a deterioration decrease in sit-ups, standing broad jump, shuttle run, and normalized standing broad jump in both sexes. Furthermore, the test results among girls showed a decrease in overhead medicine ball throw and flexibility. An increase in test results of both sexes was noticed in handgrip strength of the right and left hand. Among boys in 2022, the results were better in the flexibility test and overhead medicine ball throw compared with their peers from 2020. CONCLUSION: This study indicates a decrease in overall physical fitness in adolescents. The observed results may be associated with a decrease in physical activity, changes in nutrition, and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sexual dimorphism of adiposity and fat distribution among children and adolescents (8-18 year olds) from Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to analyze the sexual dimorphism of total body fat [BF%] and fat distribution among 8-18 year olds from Poland. METHODS: The study included 2175 participants, divided into sex and age groups. Waist and hip circumferences, the thickness of six skinfolds, waist-to-hips ratio [WHR], the ratio of abdominal-to-suprailiac skinfolds, and the limb-to-trunk adiposity index were analyzed. Fat percentage were measured with a body composition analyzer (Tanita) with accuracy 0.1%. The Mollison's Index [MI] was used for calculating sexual dimorphism. RESULTS: The value of MI for the WHR and its components (waist and hip circumferences) was negative (the boys were characterized by higher values of these parameters). The magnitude of the sex differences was lower in the younger age groups and the highest in the oldest groups. For adiposity [BF%], the average values were higher in females. In the younger age groups, girls had thicker skinfolds compared to boys, and this tendency was also observed in the older age groups, except for abdominal and suprailiac skinfolds. The values of the analyzed adiposity indicators also represented a tendency toward central allocation of fat tissue in boys. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, sexual dimorphism of fat distribution and adiposity could be detected as early as 7 years of age. These differences can be identified using simple anthropometric methods, which are relatively cheap and easy to use, particularly in the field setting and large populations. The observation of changes in these features in children should be a recommended procedure aimed at early detection of overweight, obesity, as well as normal weight obesity or other metabolic disorders.

Diet, gym, supplements, or maybe it is all in your mind? A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on placebo and nocebo effects in weight loss in adults.

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence that placebo and nocebo effects are significant for many conditions, but their impact on weight loss has not yet been well described. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of studies indexed on PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, TripDatabase, and Embase was carried out. Studies (1) with at least two study groups - placebo and a corresponding control group; (2) published in English; and (3) focusing on adults participating in weight loss programs or on placebo/nocebo effects in weight loss were included. Synthesis and meta-analysis of the results of studies with comparable research plans were performed. RESULTS: Some preliminary trends suggesting placebo and nocebo effects in weight loss were found. Placebo effects manifested in trends towards a slightly greater reduction of Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat ratio in the placebo compared with the control groups. On the other hand, in one study, it was found that the expectancy effects of taking oral weight-loss agents might be disadvantageous (i.e., because they elicit a nocebo effect on weight loss). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a possibility that the nocebo effect may occur when an intervention has a medical context. In contrast, the placebo effect can be observed in cases where the intervention is of a different nature. However, considering the low number of studies analyzing the use of placebos in weight loss, new primary research is needed.

Want to be fit? Start with your mind! The role of the placebo effect in physical fitness in children: a preliminary systematic review and meta-analysis.

Physical activity is crucial to prevent and reduce excess body mass. The placebo effect can influence the outcomes of fitness-related interventions; however, this topic has not yet been extensively investigated in children. Summarising the data on placebo effects in fitness-related interventions is essential to understand this problem better. A systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, TripDatabase and Embase was carried out. A meta-analysis of the results of studies with comparable research plans was performed. There were significant differences, favouring the placebo intervention. At the final follow-up, the children in placebo groups had higher maximal heart rates, shorter recovery times, longer ergometry phases, running time and lower peak and average perceived exertion than the control. The placebo effect is present in fitness-related parameters in children, regardless of the Body Mass Index status. It is crucial, as for youth with excess body mass, it is difficult to be active, especially to show appropriate levels of motivation and involvement. Importantly, the benefits of the placebo were the strongest in the motivation/ engagement-related parameters and self-assessed exertion. Notably, the nocebo effect was not observed, which is advantageous when considering placebo interventions in practice.

Oxygen uptake kinetics and biological age in relation to pulling force and 400-m front crawl performance in young swimmers.

Background: The study aimed to assess differences in the biological age (BA) of 13-year-old swimmers and show their ability, as biologically younger-late mature or older-early mature, to develop fast 60-s oxygen uptake (V˙O2) kinetics and tethered swimming strength. Furthermore, the interplay between swimming strength, V˙O2, and 400-m front crawl race performance was examined. Methods: The study involved 36 competitive young male swimmers (metrical age: 12.9 ± 0.56 years). Depending on BA examination, the group was divided into early-mature (BA: 15.8 ± 1.18 years, n = 13) and late-mature (BA: 12.9 ± 0.60 years, n = 23) participants, especially for the purpose of comparing tethered swimming indices, i.e., average values of force (F ave) and V˙O2 (breath-by-breath analysis) kinetic indices, measured simultaneously in 1-min tethered front crawl swimming. From the 400-m racing stroke rate, stroke length kinematics was retrieved. Results: In the 1-min tethered front crawl test, early-mature swimmers obtained higher results of absolute values of V˙O2 and F ave. Conversely, when V˙O2 was present relatively to body mass and pulling force (in ml∙min-1∙kg-1∙N-1), late-mature swimmers showed higher O2 relative usage. Late-mature swimmers generally exhibited a slower increase in V˙O2 during the first 30 s of 60 s. V˙O2, F ave, BA, and basic swimming kinematic stroke length were significantly interrelated and influenced 400-m swimming performance. Conclusion: The 1-min tethered swimming test revealed significant differences in the homogeneous calendar age/heterogeneous BA group of swimmers. These were distinguished by the higher level of V˙O2 kinetics and pulling force in early-mature individuals and lower efficiency per unit of body mass per unit of force aerobic system in late-mature peers. The higher V˙O2 kinetics and tethered swimming force were further translated into 400-m front crawl speed and stroke length kinematics.

Association between physical fitness and normal weight obesity in children and adolescents from Poland.

OBJECTIVES: Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as elevated adiposity, despite normal body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to compare the results of selected fitness parameters in Polish children and adolescents from Poland with and without normal weight obesity. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional and school-based. Body height, weight and adiposity, as well as the results of selected fitness tests, were obtained. BMI was calculated, and only normal-weight individuals were included. NWO was defined as normal BMI with adiposity ≥85 percentile for age and sex. RESULTS: Children with NWO tended to have better results of absolute dynamometric strength and overhead medicine ball throw. On the other hand, when the dynamometric strength was normalized for the body mass nonNWO group achieved better results. Furthermore, NWO group had lower explosive muscle strength of the lower limbs, agility, as well as abdominal muscle strength, and endurance. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results suggest that NWO is associated with a decrease in at least some fitness parameters in children and adolescents. Therefore, it can be hypothesized, that normal weight obesity can result in poorer fundamental motor skills. Moreover, as parameters such as muscle strength have been shown to be associated with cardiometabolic risks, described results can also be important in the context of the present and future health of the children. The results also highlight the importance of monitoring physical fitness and body composition in children, as individuals with NWO are almost indistinguishable from normal weight non-obese counterparts based on current standard surveillance protocols.

Intergenerational changes in selected cranial measurements of adolescents from Poland from 1938 to 2020.

Changes in the environment in which a particular population develops, including socio-economic factors, can influence craniofacial dimensions over time. The study aimed to investigate intergenerational changes in selected cranial measurements of adolescents (16-18 years of age) from Kraków, Poland. The analysis was based on the anthropometric measurements of four cohorts (years 1938, 1950, 2007 and 2020) of adolescents aged 16-18. Analysed characteristics included head breadth, length and head breadth-to-length ratio. The normality of each characteristic's distribution was assessed using Shapiro-Wilk's test, and the statistical significance of the differences between the cohorts was calculated using the two-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test. The pace of the secular changes of the analysed characteristics was also calculated. There was a secular increase in the head length from 1938 to 2020. The breadth of the head decreased between 1938 and 2007, but an increase was noted from 2007 to 2020. Changes analogous to head breadth were noted for the breadth-to-length ratio. The secular changes occurred the fastest between 2007 and 2020 for the length (18-year-olds), breadth (16-year old boys and 18-year-old girls) and the cephalic index (16-year old boys and 17-year-old girls). In conclusion, there was a tendency toward debrachycephalisation in the more contemporary cohorts. Observed changes may be associated with more favourable overall developmental conditions as well as possible changes in the growth tempo of the Polish population.

War in Ukraine - Changing the Polish paediatric population as a consequence of forced migration (a preliminary study).

The study aimed to briefly analyse the basic anthropometric characteristics of Ukrainian adolescents against their Polish counterparts. The study was school-based, carried out April-June 2022 and followed a cross-sectional model. It included 642 children from Poland and Ukraine (aged 10-15) who attended ten randomly selected primary schools in Kraków (Poland). Noticeable differences between Polish and Ukrainian adolescents were observed. As the analysed characteristics included features such as the amount and distribution of body fat, they can be crucial in the indirect assessment of health status, particularly the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This in turn, can help to properly accommodate the changing needs of the population.

Associations of self-perceived and objective BMI and adiposity status among adolescents from Kraków (Poland).

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the association of self-perceived and objective BMI and adiposity status among adolescents from Kraków (Poland). METHODS: The study was carried out in 2022, in randomly selected schools in Kraków (Poland). The study group consisted of 93 individuals (47 girls and 46 boys) aged 11-15. Anthropometric characteristics included body height, body weight and body fat percentage (%BF), measured by bioimpedance method (BIA). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Self-perceived body weight/adiposity status was obtained using a question extracted from the Polish version of the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC). RESULTS: The results of the current study provide evidence that girls who were dissatisfied with their bodies thought they were too fat, while boys, on the contrary, thought they were too thin. Trends in this regard begin to appear in girls around the age of 11, while in boys at around 12/13. CONCLUSION: It is worth noting that the dissatisfaction of the examined children with their physique coincided with the onset of puberty. As some children begin puberty earlier than others, making them stand out from their peers. They begin to give more attention to their bodies and compare them with the physiques of others. Additionally, comparing one's body to the "ideal figure" depicted on social media and ones inability to obtain it also can lead to body dissatisfaction.

Intergenerational Changes in the Waist Circumference and Selected Associated Indicators among Children and Adolescents from Kraków (Poland), between 1983 and 2020.

The aim of the study was to examine the direction of the secular changes in the waist and hips circumferences, as well as selected associated body proportions, among children and adolescents from Kraków, Poland. The study group included 8-18-year-olds examined in three cross-sectional studies (1983, 2010, and 2020). The analyzed characteristics included body height, circumferences of the waist and hips, which were used to calculate Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), and Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR). There was a secular increase regarding the majority of the analyzed features, particularly for the younger children (i.e., prepubertal/early pubertal age). The trends were also especially evident when comparing the results of the 1983 series to the results of their peers examined in 2020. An opposite trend was noted in adolescent girls. The observed changes reflect the secular trend resulting from changes in body composition and fat distribution happening due to alterations in the lifestyle and socio-economic environment of the population over the years. It should also be stressed that the increase in the studied characteristics occurred mainly in younger children. This suggests that the observed changes may have resulted from a shift in the age of maturation and also from the personal and social motivators characteristic for late adolescence.

Forced migration and integration - comparison of physical fitness of children from Poland and Ukraine as an indicator of general health.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to briefly analyze the results of selected fitness tests of Ukrainian adolescents against their Polish counterparts. METHODS: The study was school-based, carried out between April and June 2022. It included 642 children from Poland and Ukraine (aged 10 to 16) who attended 10 randomly selected primary schools in Kraków (Poland). Analyzed parameters included physical fitness tests: flexibility test, standing broad jump, 10x5m shuttle run, abdominal muscle strength test (sit-ups, 30 s), handgrip strength (left and right hand) and overhead medicine ball throw (backwards). RESULTS: The Ukrainian girls obtained less favorable results of the fitness tests compared to the Polish children, with the exception of handgrip strength. Also the Ukrainian boys were characterized by lower results of the fitness tests, except for the shuttle run and handgrip strength of the left hand, compared to their counterparts from Poland. CONCLUSION: The Ukrainian children obtained mainly less favorable results of the fitness tests compared to the Polish children. It should be stressed that analyzed characteristics play an important role in childrens' current as well as future health. Considering the obtained results, to properly accommodate to the changing needs of the population, educators, teachers and parents should advocate for more physical activity opportunities for children. Additionally, interventions focused on fitness, health and wellness promotion, as well as risk-reduction on individual and community levels should be developed and implemented.

Changes in the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity and excessive adiposity among adolescents from Kraków (Poland) in the years 1983-2020.

OBJECTIVES: Improved living conditions affect lifestyles and may contribute to the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity as well as excessive adiposity among teenagers from Kraków (Poland). METHODS: The study was conducted in four series in the years: 1983, 2000, 2010, and 2020. The study group included 1759 boys and 1699 girls aged 16-18 years. body mass index (BMI) was calculated on the basis of body height and weight. Adiposity was measured by bioimpedance method. Participants were grouped according to BMI categories using Cole's cut-off points and according to adiposity based on mean and standard deviations values. The significance of the differences between cohorts was assessed by the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Secular increase in the prevalence of underweight and overweight was observed among girls in most age groups. An increase in the prevalence of high body fat was also observed among 16- and 17-year-old girls - the opposite trend was noted in 18-year-old girls. Contemporary boys had an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in each age group. CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in the prevalence of body weight abnormalities in the study population. The observed results may be related to socio-economic changes that adversely affect the lifestyle of the society. The results are also important in terms of the health of future generations and may be helpful in the development of new prevention and intervention programs.

Analysis of secular trends in physical fitness of children and adolescents (8-18 years) from Kraków (Poland) between 2010 and 2020.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the changes of the motor skills of children and adolescents from Kraków between 2010 and 2020. METHODS: The group included 4106 children and adolescents (8-18 years of age). The analysis of changes included results of the following fitness tests: backwards overhead medicine ball throw, standing broad jump, dynamometric strength of the hand, flexibility test, as well as shuttle run (10 × 5 m). RESULTS: A negative trend in both sexes was observed in the results of overhead medicine ball throw. The girls also had a negative intergenerational changes in the results of the shuttle run and the flexibility test. A positive secular trend was also observed in both sexes in relations to the dynamometric force of the right and left hand. In addition, the boys studied in more contemporary times showed better results in the shuttle run, compared to their peers in 2010. CONCLUSION: The study reported a decline in overall motor performance in children and adolescents. The observed results may be related to a decrease in the level of physical activity, as well as a higher incidence of overweight and high levels of body fat in the modern population.

Time trends (2010-2020) in skinfolds thickness in children and adolescents, with different BMI status, from Kraków (Poland).

Objectives: To analyse secular changes (2010-2020) in skinfold thickness in children and adolescents in different BMI categories. Methods: The study group consisted of 3-16-year olds included in two cross-sectional studies. Measurements included height, weight and 5 skinfolds. The Body Mass Index was used to categorize participants into low (underweight), normal or excess (overweight and obesity) weight groups based on IOTF cut-off points. Differences of skinfold thicknesses between both cohorts, within each of the weight status categories, were assessed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Results: In both sexes, there was a negative secular trend in limb adiposity among the normal weight and underweight cohorts. However, in both of those subpopulations individuals examined in 2020 had greater trunk adiposity, in comparison to their counterparts examined in 2010. Declining limb adiposity was also present in the overweight category. Although, trunk adiposity among individuals with overweight was generally comparable in both cohorts. Conclusions: There was a tendency towards normal weight obesity, particularly excess abdominal adiposity, among the 2020 cohort. These findings further suggest that using only the BMI, without taking into consideration tissue composition of the body, may result in misclassification of children and adolescents with high adiposity as normal-weight.

The impact of neonatal parameters and parental factors on body fat level in early childhood.

Parental and pregnancy characteristics can affect proportions and tissue composition of the child's bodyand thereforecan influence their present and future health, as well as overall wellbeing. The aim of this study was to examine the differences between selected parental and birth-related parameters among preschool (3-7 years of age) children of varying adiposity status (n=541 girls and n=571 boys).The research was carried out in 20 randomly selected kindergartens in Krakow (Poland). Thickness of 6 skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal and calf) was measured. Sum of skinfolds was calculated and participants were divided into low, normal or high body fat groups. Birth-related characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire filled out by the children's parents. Children of mothers who gained the most gestational weight were characterised by high adiposity. Preschoolers with the highest birth weight, body length and head circumference had the greatest adiposity. Children of relatively younger mothers had higher body fat, in comparison to the rest of the study group. Parents of preschoolers in the high adiposity category were characterised by a greater body mass, compared to the parents of children in other body fat groups and that boys with the highest adiposity relatively more often had a close relative with obesity. Children in varying adiposity categories differed in terms of some birth-related factors. Particular attention should be paid to familial and parental characteristics, because they may influence the child's predisposition to excess adiposity deposition later in life.

Changes in the adiposity level and prevalence of overweight/obesity among children from Kraków (Poland) within the last decade (from 2010 to 2020).

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and high adiposity in children and adolescents from Krakow (Poland), between the years 2010 and 2020. Two cross-sectional series of anthropometric measurements were carried out in 2010 and 2020. Analysed characteristics included: body height and weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), body adiposity (%BF). The subjects were categorised according to their BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity), as well as %BF (low, normal, high body fat).The research was conducted in randomly selected primary schools in Krakow (Poland). Studied cohorts (8-15 years of age), which represented four of the traditional residential districts: Sródmiescie, Podgórze, Krowodrza and Nowa Huta. Among the girls, there was a negative secular trend regarding the prevalence of underweight and obesity. On the other hand, there also was a positive trend concerning the prevalence of overweight and low and high body fat. In boys, there was a negative secular trend regarding the prevalence of underweight and low adiposity. There was also a generally positive secular trend regarding the prevalence of overweight, obesity as well as high adiposity in boys. The findings of this study are particularly significant because detailed knowledge of the prevalence of overweight/obesity in childhood and adolescence is crucial for the future health of entire populations. Further studies should also take into account the levels of physical fitness and activity of the examined population.

Secular changes of foot dimensions among children and adolescents (3-18 years of age).

The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in the foot dimensions in children and adolescents (3-18 years of age) from Krakow (Poland), between the years 2010 and 2020. The examined group of children and adolescents (3-18-year olds) took part in two cross-sectional surveys carried out in 2010 and 2020. The cohort examined in 2010 consisted of 1,989 females and 1,893 males and the 2020 series included 1,702 females and 1,584 males. Body height (B-v), length of the lower limbs (B-sy) foot length (pte-ap) and breadth (mtt-mtf) were measured. The last two measurements were the basis for calculating the foot index and estimated area of the foot. Generally, children examined in 2020 had relatively wider feet in proportion to their length compared to their peers from the 2010 cohort. This change was mirrored by secular trends regarding the estimated area of the foot. Additionally, a secular decrease of the length of the foot was compensated by the increasing width of this segment of the body, which among girls occurred especially after 10 years of age. The present study provides new information regarding secular changes in foot proportions among Polish children and adolescents. Results obtained in this stud are additionally significant, as there is no similar research concerning the population of Poland.

Associations of anthropometric cardiometabolic risk factors and leg fat accumulation in children and adolescents from Poland.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the correlation between anthropometric cardiometabolic risk factors with calf adiposity in 4-16-year-olds from Poland. METHODS: Three thousand seventy-six persons (1568 girls and 1508 boys) were examined. Analyzed characteristics included body height, waist, hips and neck circumferences, body weight, six skinfolds. The following were calculated: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hips ratio (WHR), the sum of all skinfolds, and the sum of skinfolds on the waist area. RESULTS: The relationship between the calf skinfold and the rest of the characteristics was estimated using multiple regression. There was a negative relationship between calf adiposity and fat tissue accumulated around the waist and the BMI (in some groups). This suggests that participants with greater calf adiposity had lower waist adiposity and BMI than those with less fat tissue on the lower limb. CONCLUSION: Persons with higher calf adiposity may have a lower cardiometabolic risk. This observation is significant because cardiovascular risk factors can persist from childhood into adulthood. Additionally, cardiovascular issues have numerous medical consequences but also socio-economic ones, thus they can affect individuals and be a burden on public health.

Body height, weight, and Body Mass Index - magnitude and pace of secular changes in children and adolescents from Kraków (Poland) between 1983 and 2020.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence and pace of secular trends regarding body height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) among children and adolescents from Kraków (Poland) examined in 1983, 2000, 2010, and 2020. METHODS: The study group consisted of 17 407 individuals (8650 girls and 8757 boys) aged 3-18 included in four cross-sectional studies conducted in 1983, 2000, 2010, and 2020.Analyzed anthropometric characteristics included body height (measured according to Martin's technique, with an anthropometer) and body weight. BMI was calculated as follows: body weight (kg)/body height2 (m). RESULTS: Results of the current study suggest that there was a cessation of previously observed secular increase of the body height in the examined population in the recent decade. Additionally, secular changes regarding body height, body mass, and BMI occurred noticeably slower in the recent decade compared to the previous years. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the rapid increase of body height in the years 1983-2000 and later secular increase of the body mass and BMI in 2000-2010 were probably associated mainly with significant socio-economic progress of the country. On the other hand, deceleration of those trends in 2010-2020, especially in regards to body height, may be associated with reaching the maximum genetically attainable body height in the examined population.