RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To study the secular changes on both morphological development and nutritional status among Tibetan students, from 1985 to 2005. METHODS: Data from the Chinese national survey on students' physical fitness and health in 1985, 1995, 2000 and 2005 were used to analyze and find out the difference of the morphological development and nutrition status of Tibetan students aged 7 - 18 years in different years. RESULTS: From 1985 to 2005, the height and weight of Tibetan students had a growing trend. The height and weight of schoolboys and schoolgirls aged 7 - 18 years increased 3.94 cm, 5.08 kg, 2.25 cm, and 4.24 kg respectively, while the circumference decreased without significance. The prevalence rates of underweight and malnutrition in Tibetan students further went down along with the improvement of their nutritional status. However, the prevalence rates on both overweight and obesity increased continuously, affecting the health status of Tibetan students. CONCLUSION: From 1985 to 2005, the morphological development of Tibetan students had a growing trend and their nutrition status improved. However, the prevalence of overweight and obesity continuously increased.
