Antropometría nutricional en la España de mediados del siglo XX. Medidas comparadas de estudiantes y reclutas / Nutritional anthropometry in mid-20th century Spain. Comparativemeasurements of students and recruits

Introducción: La talla y el perímetro torácico son indica-dores del estado de salud y bienestar de una población.Dichas medidas antropométricas dependen de agentes socio-económicos, nutricionales y ambientales. Objetivos: Analizar la estatura y el perímetro del tórax delos reclutas de diferentes provincias españolas en la décadade los 50 del pasado siglo. Asimismo, comparar dichas medi-das corporales con las de los estudiantes del mismo períodode tiempo. Material y Métodos: Se parte de dos muestras, una de2421 sujetos de los reclutamientos de 1950 a 1953 de dife-rentes provincias españolas y la otra, de 957 estudiantes va-rones de 23 a 33 años. Se confrontaron talla y perímetro to-rácico de los reclutas de las diferentes regiones. Secompararon dichas medidas entre soldados y estudiantes uni-versitarios. Resultados: Las estaturas más elevadas de reclutas seencontraban en las zonas catalana y vasco-navarra y la me-nor correspondía a la castellano-leonesa. Los soldados galle-gos y vasco-navarros poseían un perímetro torácico estadísti-camente mayor que el de los andaluces y castellano-leoneses.Los estudiantes tienen un promedio de talla superior a la delos reclutas, tanto a nivel general como en la mayoría de lasregiones geográficas comparadas. Igualmente, el perímetrotorácico medio del alumnado universitario es mayor que el delos soldados, a nivel del conjunto de España y de todas las re-giones analizadas. Conclusiones: Los reclutas más altos eran los del norestey los de mayor tórax, los de la zona septentrional de España.Las medidas de estudiantes fueron mayores que las de los dereclutas.(AU)

Introduction: Stature and thoracic perimeter are indica-tors of health and wellbeing status of a population. These an-thropometric measures are affected by socioeconomic, nutri-tional and environmental factors. Objectives: To analyze the stature and thoracic perime-ter of the recruits of different Spanish provinces in the decadeof the ‘50s of the last century. Also to compare these bodymeasurements with those of the students of the same period. Methods: This study was based on two samples, one com-posed of 2421 recruits conscripted between 1950 and 1953from different Spanish provinces. The second one featured956 male students aged 23-33. We collected the stature andthoracic perimeter of the recruits from different regions. Wecompared said measures between recruits and students. Results: The tallest recruits were found in the Catalan andBasque-Navarre areas and the shortest in the Castilian-Leonese area. Galician and Basque-Navarrese soldiers had astatistically greater thoracic perimeter than Andalusian andCastilian-Leonese soldiers. The students have a higher aver-age stature than the recruits, both overall and in most of thegeographical regions compared. Likewise, the average tho-racic perimeter of university students is greater than that ofsoldiers, at the level of Spain as a whole and of all the regionsanalyzed. Conclusion: The tallest recruits belonged to the northeastwhilst those with the largest thoracic perimeters were fromnorthern Spain. The measurements from students werehigher than those from the recruits.(AU)

Development of subcutaneous fat in Spanish and Latin American children and adolescents: Reference values for biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds.

Subcutaneous fat skinfolds represent a reliable assessment instrument of adiposity status. This study provides current percentile references for four subcutaneous skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac) applicable to children and adolescents in Spain and in Latin American countries where data are scarce. The design consisted of a cross-sectional multicenter study performed with identical methods in 5 countries (Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela). Total sample comprised 9163 children and youths (boys 4615 - girls 4548) aged 6-18 years, healthy and without apparent pathologies. Percentiles 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95 and 97 were calculated by the LMS method. Sexual dimorphism was assessed using the t-test and age differences with ANOVA. Normalized growth percentile references were obtained according to sex and age for each skinfold. The mean values of four skinfolds were significantly greater in girls than boys (p<0.001) and, in both sexes, all skinfolds show statistical differences through age (p<0.001) with different magnitudes. Except triceps in girls, peaks between 11 and 12 years of age are more noticeable in boys than in girls. Although the general model of growth is known, the skinfold measurements show variability among populations and differences of magnitude are presented according to the analyzed population. Therefore, these age and sex-specific reference percentile values for biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds, derived from a large sample of Spanish and Latin American children and adolescents, are a useful tool for adiposity diagnosis in this population for which no reference values were available.

Errores técnicos de medida en el diagnóstico de la desnutrición infantil: datos procedentes de intervenciones de Acción Contrael Hambre entre 2001 y 2010 / Technical errors of measurement in the diagnosis of child malnutrition: data from ACF interventions between 2001 and 2010

Se analiza la calidad de las medidas antropométricas efectuadas por 199 antropometristas que actuaron en 17 encuestas nutricionales de Acción Contra el Hambre efectuadas en Afganistán, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Mali, República de Myanmar y Filipinas. Para las tres dimensiones analizadas: peso, talla y perímetro del brazo (MUAC) el error técnico de medida (ETM) absoluto es aceptable, aunque supera el reseñado en la estandarización del Multicenter Growth Reference Study de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). El nivel de competencia de los equipos de antropometristas que midieron en las 17 intervenciones difiere significativamente. El error técnico de medida relativo (ETM%) supera el margen de tolerancia para el peso en una de las encuestas y en cinco para el MUAC. Por lo que respecta al ETM% inter-observador, se encuentra en un rango adecuado para la talla y el peso, pero excede el nivel de tolerancia recomendado en 11 de las 17 campañas de intervención. Se recomienda hacer énfasis en la formación del personal técnico encargado de tomar las medidas antropométricas y tener especial cuidado en la medida del MUAC (AU)

We analyze the quality of the anthropometric measurements made by 199 anthropometrists who acted in 17 nutritional surveys conducted by ACF in Afgha - nistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Mali, Republic of Myanmar and the Philippines. For the three dimensions analyzed: weight, height and arm circumference (MUAC) the technical error of measurement (TEM) is acceptable, although it is over high than standardization values, outlined in the Multicenter Growth Reference Study of the World Helath Organization (WHO). The level of competence anthropometrists teams that measured in the 17 interventions differ significantly. The relative technical error of measurement (TEM%) exceeds the tolerance for the weight in one survey and five for MUAC. With respect to the TEM% inter-observer is in a suitable range for height and weight, but exceeds the recommended tolerance level in 11 of the 17 intervention campaigns. It is recommended to emphasize the training of technical staff in charge of taking anthropometric measurements and take special care in measuring the MUAC (AU)

Asociación entre actividad física y percepción de la imagen corporal en adolescentes madrileños / Association between physical activity and body image perception in a sample of Spanish adolescents (Madrid)

En el presente estudio se pretende evaluar la relación entre la composición corporal, la auto-percepción de la imagen y el tipo e intensidad del ejercicio físico practicado en un grupo de jóvenes madrileños de 13 a19 años. Estas asociaciones son fundamentales en la adolescencia, periodo de importantes cambios físicos y psicológicos que está fuertemente influenciado por una sociedad centrada en el culto al cuerpo. La metodología utilizada ha sido, en primer lugar la entrega de encuestas en las que se interrogaba a los jóvenes sobre el ejercicio físico realizado fuera del aula. En segundo término un cuestionario para la percepción de su imagen corporal basado en la elección de siluetas (asociadas a distintos Índices de Masa Corporal o IMC) y finalmente la toma de dimensiones antropométricas encaminadas a la valoración de la composición corporal. Los resultados obtenidos confirman que existe una distorsión de la percepción corpórea en ambos sexos. Sin embargo, es curioso comprobar que, aunque dicha alteración es mayor en el sexo masculino, los varones no muestran deseos de adelgazar mientras que la mayoría de las mujeres si tienen dicha pretensión. Este hecho influye en el tipo de actividad física escogida ya que, sobre todo las chicas, escogen actividades de tipo individual aeróbico cuya finalidad suele ser disminuir el IMC, mientras que ellos denotan preferencia por los deportes en equipo que no muestran dicho propósito (AU)

The aim of this study is to assess the relationships between body composition, self-perception and the type and intensity of exercise performed in a group of Spanish adolescents from 13 to 19 years old. These associations are crucial in adolescence as it represents a period of major physical and psychological changes, being strongly influenced by a society focused mainly on the body. The methodology consisted, on a first step, on surveys referring to overtime school physical activities. On a second one, by the application of a survey to diagnose body image perception from the analysis of silhouettes(each associated with one Body Mass Index or BMI value) and finally anthropometric measures were taken in order to evaluate body composition. The results confirm body image distortion in both sexes. However, it is curious that males show no desire to lose weight while most women have such a plan. Consequently, this influences the type of activity chosen as women prefer individual aerobic activities to lower their BMI while men chose team sports with no such intention (AU)

Dinamometría en niños y jóvenes de entre 6 y 18años: valores de referencia, asociación con tamaño y composición corporal / Handgrip strength in children and teenagers aged from 6 to 18 years: Reference values and relationship with size and body composition

Introducción: la dinamometría es una prueba importante para evaluar el rendimiento físico y la condición nutricional de los sujetos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue elaborar un estándar de referencia para la fuerza muscular estática de la mano, aplicable a la población española de ambos sexos de entre 6 y 18años. Al mismo tiempo, profundizar en el conocimiento de la variación normal de esta característica en función de la edad, el sexo, el tamaño y la composición corporal. Material y métodos: la muestra se compuso de 2.125 sujetos de entre 6 y 18años (1.176 varones y 949 mujeres). La fuerza de presión de ambas manos se tomó con un dinamómetro ajustable digital. Se midió el peso, la talla, el perímetro del brazo y los pliegues adiposos subcutáneos. Se estimó el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el peso magro (PM), o libre de grasa, el porcentaje de grasa corporal y las áreas mesobraquiales. Se analizó la variabilidad ontogénica y sexual, y se elaboraron los correspondientes estándares con la media, la desviación estándar y la distribución percentilar para cada mano según sexo y edad. El análisis de correlación múltiple estableció la asociación entre fuerza manual, IMC y variables de composición corporal. Resultados y conclusiones: se observó un incremento de la dinamometría con la edad y un dimorfismo sexual significativo a partir de los 12 años. Se aportan tablas con valores obtenidos en niños y jóvenes españoles sanos para su uso como patrón de referencia. Del análisis efectuado se deduce que la fuerza estática de la mano se correlaciona más fuertemente con el PM y el área muscular del brazo que con las variables directas de tamaño o IMC (AU)

Introduction: Handgrip strength is an important test to evaluate physical fitness and nutritional status. The main objective of this research is to prepare a reference standard applicable to the Spanish population of both sexes between 6 and 18 years old. At the same time, to extend our knowledge of normal variation of this characteristic with age, gender, size and body composition. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 2125 subjects between the 6 and 18 years (1176 boys and 949 girls). The handgrip strength of both hands was taken with a digital adjustable dynamometer. Weight, height, forearm circumference and skin fold thickness were measured mass index, fat free. Body mass, percentage of fat and total, muscle and fat forearm areas were estimated. Ontogenetic and sexual variability of dynamometric force was analysed and a table was produced with the mean, standard deviation and percentile distribution, by hand, age and gender. Multiple correlation analysis was applied to establish the relationship between handgrip dynamometric force, body mass index and body composition variables. Results and conclusion: Handgrip strength increases with age and a significant sexual dimorphism from the age of 12 years is observed. Growth charts with normal values obtained in healthy Spanish children and teenagers could be used as a reference pattern. The correlation between hand static force and fat free mass or arm muscle area is stronger than with direct size variables or body mass index (AU)

[Handgrip strength in children and teenagers aged from 6 to 18 years: reference values and relationship with size and body composition]. / Dinamometría en niños y jóvenes de entre 6 y 18años: valores de referencia, asociación con tamaño y composición corporal.

INTRODUCTION: Handgrip strength is an important test to evaluate physical fitness and nutritional status. The main objective of this research is to prepare a reference standard applicable to the Spanish population of both sexes between 6 and 18 years old. At the same time, to extend our knowledge of normal variation of this characteristic with age, gender, size and body composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 2125 subjects between the 6 and 18 years (1176 boys and 949 girls). The handgrip strength of both hands was taken with a digital adjustable dynamometer. Weight, height, forearm circumference and skin fold thickness were measured mass index, fat free. Body mass, percentage of fat and total, muscle and fat forearm areas were estimated. Ontogenetic and sexual variability of dynamometric force was analysed and a table was produced with the mean, standard deviation and percentile distribution, by hand, age and gender. Multiple correlation analysis was applied to establish the relationship between handgrip dynamometric force, body mass index and body composition variables. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Handgrip strength increases with age and a significant sexual dimorphism from the age of 12 years is observed. Growth charts with normal values obtained in healthy Spanish children and teenagers could be used as a reference pattern. The correlation between hand static force and fat free mass or arm muscle area is stronger than with direct size variables or body mass index.

Técnicas analíticas en el estudio de la composición corporal. Antropometría frente a sistemas de bioimpedancia bipolar y tetrapolar / No disponible

La finalidad de este trabajo es comparar métodos analíticos de composición corporal basados en antropometría por el método de Siri(1961) y bioimpedancia eléctrica (aparato tetrapolarmodelo Holtain y bipolares OMRON BF-306 y báscula LAICA EP1340). Para ello se analizaron 105 sujetos de ambos sexos entre17 y 32 años. Se calcularon los coeficientes de correlación de Spearman e intraclase y se aplicóel método de Bland-Altman (1986). La correlación entre métodos resulta mayor en varones así como para las variables peso graso y peso magro que para porcentaje de grasa. Los niveles de concordancia entre parámetros de composición corporal obtenidos por antropometría e impedancia son aceptables para recomendarlos métodos BIA en estudios epidemiológicos de valoración nutricional. Sin embargo los resultados muestran ciertas diferencias individuales y sexuales, en particular para los monitores bipolares, cuya medida depende de la distribución de la grasa. Ello implica ciertas limitaciones para el uso de estos últimos en el diagnóstico clínico, al carecer de patrones o normas de referencia que resulten apropiadas para cada población, sexo y edad. Por ello se considera muy conveniente la elaboración de estándares que puedan ofrecerse como referencia fiable y que se puedan aportar al profesional cuando usa cualquiera de los aparatos (AU)

The aim of this study is to compare methods of body composition assessment based in anthropometry, using the Siri equation (1961), and electrical bioimpedance (tetrapolar system Holtain, and bipolar system OMRON BF-360 and LAICA EP1340 balance). Were analysed 105individuals of both sexes, aged 17 to 32 years. Spearman and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated, and was applied the Bland-Altman method (1986). Higher correlation is observed among methods in males and for fat mass and fat free mass than in percent body fat. The agreement between body composition parameters obtained by anthropometry and bioimpedanceis acceptable for using BIA in epidemiological studies of nutritional status assessment. However, results show some individual and sexdifferences, especially with bipolar systems. The measure obtained by means of these devices depends of adiposity distribution. That situation involves several limitations for using bipolar systems in clinical diagnostic, because of there are not appropriate references for each population, sex and age. For this reason, it has been considered convenient to make standars which may bring to professionals a good references for using them (AU)

[Obesity screening: updated criteria and their clinical and populational validity]. / Diagnosis de la obesidad: actualización de criterios y su validez clínica y poblacional.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to compare the frequency of overweight and obesity in Spanish children and teenagers by using national and international standards for the body mass index (BMI). The second aim was to establish the association between criteria based on BMI and body composition. The third aim was to propose new standards of fat percentages in order to increase diagnostic accuracy in patients with excess weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample was composed of 7,228 boys and girls aged between 6 and 20 years. Anthropometric measurements were taken (height, weight and subcutaneous skinfolds), and BMI and the percentage of fat were obtained using the methods of Durnin and Womersley, Siri and Slaughter et al. To classify obesity and overweight, the national standards of Hernández et al and the international standards published by Cole et al were used. The correlation between BMI and percentage of fat was established using Spearman's method and the variability fat percentage was estimated in relation to the BMI cut-off points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity were more frequent in boys than in girls and in the youngest individuals. According to national standards, between 9.6 % (6-12 years) and 9.5 % (13-20 years) of girls and between 10.62 % (13-20 years) and 12.50 % (6-12 years) of boys were overweight. According to international standards, between 4.68 % (13-20 years) and 6 % (6-12 years) of boys were obese and between 18.83 % (13-20 years) and 21.6 % (6-12 years) were overweight. The proportion of obesity in girls ranged from 2.81 % (13-20 years) to 5.9 % (6-12 years); the prevalence of overweight was 25.99 % in the group aged 6-12 years and was 14.55 % in that aged 13-20 years. The analysis carried out shows that the association between BMI and adiposity differs in normal individuals and in those with excess weight. The international standards of Cole et al tend to underestimate obesity and to overestimate overweight. Therefore, their usefulness is limited to comparative studies and their use cannot be recommended in clinical diagnosis, where it would be more effective to use of specific population standards, especially those for fat percentage.

Diagnosis de la obesidad: actualización de criterios y su validez clínica y poblacional / Obesity screening: Updated criteria and their clinical and populational validity

Objetivos Comparar la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños y adolescentes españoles aplicando referencias nacionales e internacionales para el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Establecer la relación entre criterios basados en el IMC y la composición corporal. Proponer estándares de porcentaje graso para aumentar la precisión diagnóstica en los casos de exceso ponderal. Material y métodos La muestra se compone de 7.228 sujetos de ambos sexos entre los 6 y 20 años. A partir de medidas antropométricas (talla, peso y pliegues subcutáneos) se obtuvo el IMC y el porcentaje de grasa según las expresiones de Durnin y Womersley, Siri y Slaughter et al. Como criterios diagnóstico de la obesidad y el sobrepeso se utilizaron los patrones nacionales de Hernández et al y las normas internacionales de Cole et al. Se estableció la correlación entre IMC y porcentaje de grasa mediante el método de Spearman y se estimó la variabilidad de este último en relación a los puntos de corte de IMC propuestos por IOTF (Internacional Obesity Task Force). Resultados y conclusiones El sobrepeso y la obesidad afectan en mayor proporción a los varones que a las mujeres y a los sujetos más jóvenes. De acuerdo a los patrones nacionales presentaron sobrepeso entre el 9,6 % (de 6 a 12 años) y el 9,5 % (de 13 a 20) de las chicas y entre 10,62 % (de 13 a 20) y 12,50 % (de 6 a 12) de los chicos. Respecto a las normas internacionales, se clasifican como obesos entre el 4,68 % (de 13 a 20) y el 6 % (de 6 a 12) de los varones y con sobrepeso entre el 18,83 % (de 13 a 20) y el 21,6 % (de 6 a 12); en la serie femenina las cifras de obesidad oscilan entre el 2,81 % (de 13 a 20) y el 5,9 % (de 6 a 12), siendo el sobrepeso de 25,9 % para el intervalo de 6-12 años y del 14,55 % en el de 13-20. El análisis efectuado muestra que las relaciones entre IMC y la adiposidad no son iguales en individuos normales que en los que presentan exceso ponderal, y que las referencias internacionales de Cole et al tienden a subestimar la obesidad y a sobreestimar el sobrepeso. Por ello, su validez se limita a estudios poblacionales comparativos, y no se recomienda su uso en el diagnóstico clínico, en el que resulta más eficaz la utilización de patrones propios, en particular los correspondientes al porcentaje de grasa

Objectives The primary aim of this study was to compare the frequency of overweight and obesity in Spanish children and teenagers by using national and international standards for the body mass index (BMI). The second aim was to establish the association between criteria based on BMI and body composition. The third aim was to propose new standards of fat percentages in order to increase diagnostic accuracy in patients with excess weight. Material and methods The sample was composed of 7,228 boys and girls aged between 6 and 20 years. Anthropometric measurements were taken (height, weight and subcutaneous skinfolds), and BMI and the percentage of fat were obtained using the methods of Durnin and Womersley, Siri and Slaughter et al. To classify obesity and overweight, the national standards of Hernández et al and the international standards published by Cole et al were used. The correlation between BMI and percentage of fat was established using Spearman's method and the variability fat percentage was estimated in relation to the BMI cut-off points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). Results and conclusions Overweight and obesity were more frequent in boys than in girls and in the youngest individuals. According to national standards, between 9.6 % (6-12 years) and 9.5 % (13-20 years) of girls and between 10.62 % (13-20 years) and 12.50 % (6-12 years) of boys were overweight. According to international standards, between 4.68 % (13-20 years) and 6 % (6-12 years) of boys were obese and between 18.83 % (13-20 years) and 21.6 % (6-12 years) were overweight. The proportion of obesity in girls ranged from 2.81 % (13-20 years) to 5.9 % (6-12 years); the prevalence of overweight was 25.99 % in the group aged 6-12 years and was 14.55 % in that aged 13-20 years. The analysis carried out shows that the association between BMI and adiposity differs in normal individuals and in those with excess weight. The international standards of Cole et al tend to underestimate obesity and to overestimate overweight. Therefore, their usefulness is limited to comparative studies and their use cannot be recommended in clinical diagnosis, where it would be more effective to use of specific population standards, especially those for fat percentage

[Auxological study of contemporary and historical samples of the population of madrid]. / Estudio auxológico de muestras contemporáneas e históricas de la población madrileña: aplicación del modelo 1 de Preece-Baines.

OBJECTIVES: To describe statural growth in a sample of both sexes using the Preece-Baines model 1 (PB1) in order to obtain smoothed percentiles for use in reference growth charts. To apply the PB1to several historical samples, with different age ranges, obtained from the literature (1896-1983) in order to study secular changes in stature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 1,525 schoolchildren, aged 6-18 years. The PB1was fitted to the percentile curves, which were corrected for deviation from normal distribution by the LMS model. The PB1was applied to the historical samples and the variables describing growth spurt and adult height were compared. RESULTS: The age of peak height velocity (PHV) was 13.73 years in males and 11.02 years in females. Estimated adult height, in this model, was 176.22 cm for males and 163.53 cm for females. Mean velocity of secular change in males was estimated as 1.2 cm/decade. The age at PHV increased by 0.2 years/decade. CONCLUSIONS: The PB1did not achieve smoothed percentile curves for use in reference growth charts. Right skewness of the distribution was corrected by application of the LMS method. However, the PB1is useful for studying secular trends in statural growth.

Estudio auxológico de muestras contemporáneas e históricas de la población madrileña: aplicación del modelo 1 de Preece-Baines / Auxological study of contemporary and historical samples of the population of madrid (spain): application of the preece-baines growth model 1

Objetivos: Describir el crecimiento estatural de una muestra de niños y jóvenes de ambos sexos mediante el modelo 1 de Preece-Baines (PB1) para obtener valores percentilares suavizados que sirvan de referencia. Asimismo, aplicar el PB 1 a una serie de muestras históricas, con rangos de edad variables, recopiladas de la bibliografía entre 1896 y 1983, para estimar los cambios seculares. Material y métodos: La muestra constaba de 1.525 escolares entre 6 y 18 años. El PB1 se ajustó a las curvas percentilares que se corrigieron para las desviaciones de la normalidad mediante el modelo LMS. Después de aplicar el PB 1 a las muestras históricas se han comparado los parámetros que describen el estirón y la talla adulta. Resultados: La edad del pico del estirón ha resultado de 13,73 años en varones y de 11,02 años en mujeres y la estatura adulta estimada, según el modelo, de 176,22 cm en varones y de 163,53 cm en mujeres. La velocidad promedio de cambio secular en la talla adulta de los varones resultó de 1,2 cm/década. La edad del pico del estirón presenta un adelanto de 0,2 años/década. Conclusiones: Al elaborar referencias poblacionales de talla para la edad, el PB1 por sí mismo no logra suavizar los percentiles finales. Pero la aplicación del LMS consigue eliminar la asimetría derecha de la distribución. Sin embargo, el PB1 se adapta al estudio del secular trend para la talla (AU)

[Nutritional anthropometry and physical performance in urban adolescents of Madrid]. / Antropometría nutricional y aptitud física en adolescentes urbanos de Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: This work has been carried out as a cooperation project between University and High School Departments. Its objective was to evaluate the nutritional and physical status and eating habits in an urban adolescent population of Madrid. The study presents data about anthropometrical analyses and physical performance. SAMPLE AND METHODS: The sample analyzed was composed of 183 males and 222 females between 14 and 18 years of age. The nutritional status was analyzed by means of stature, weight, skinfold thickness and arm circumference, body mass index (BMI), and lean, fat and total upper arm areas. For physical fitness analysis, the EUROFIT battery was used (plate tapping, trunk and arm flexion, 10 x 5 run, horizontal jump, abdominals in 30 seconds and manual dynamometry). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness, the analyzed population is slightly above the reference standard, mainly in the youngest age studied. Percentage of obese subjects was 14.7% in males and 5.8% in females. In regard to physical fitness, the males surpassed the 50th percentile of the EUROFIT battery in almost all of the trials. The average in the female subjects was slightly inferior to the reference standards.