COMPARISON OF BODY FAT PERCENTAGES BETWEEN BOY AGE 11 and 12 YEARS OLD IN PERAK, THE SOCIO ECONOMIC INFLUENCE By C.H.Wong, H.Faslinda, H.Tun & C.P.Lee Fitkids Club Malaysia

Introduction: The percentage of obesity among the children nowadays in Malaysia has been documented gradually increased. (R. Florentino, 2002) The ratio of fat and obese children and adolescents has increased markedly during the past 20 years in Perak state (C.P.Lee, 2003).

Introduction: Less Physical activities are the main factor as the cause of high body fat percentages among the children due to the societal, environmental and technological advancement of every country. The other environmental factors may influence the increasing of the ratio of obesity or high BFC is the socio economic status (SES) of the family (Sundquist, J & Johansson, S., 1998).

Aim of the study: To compare the body fat percentages between 11 years old children in 4 selected places that divided to high SES and low SES. between 12 years old children in 4 selected places also divided to high SES and low SES.

Subjects: A total 163 children age 11 years old and 173 children age 12 years old were randomly selected in government schools in the State of Perak at a) KK=Kuala Kangsar (n=39, n=37) b) TM=Tanjung Malim (n=41, n=46) c) SM=Seri Manjung (n=42, n=43) d) B=Bidor (n=41, n=47)

Methods: The body fat content (BFC) of subjects were estimated by measuring five skinfolds by the suggestions of Parizkova (1961). The following skinfolds were measured: a) biceps b) triceps c) subscapular d) suprailiac e) medial side of the calf.

Methods Social economic info is based on the information given by the District Education Officer. The social economic status (SES) of the investigated children’s family in the selected areas is as following: a) KK (Royal Town)= High SES b) TM = Low SES c) SM = Low SES d) B = High SES Standard statistics (t-tests and repeated ANOVA) were used to analyze group differences.

Body fat percentages comparison between children age 11 years old

Body fat percentages comparison between children age 12 years old

Summary: The results show that children age 11 years old at Kuala Kangsar (22.17%) got the highest body fat percentages compare to Tanjung Malim(11.77%), Seri Manjung(14.23%) and Bidor(14.24%). Percentages of body fat for Kuala Kangsar is also the highest among the children age 12 years old. There are no significant among the children age 12 years old between Kuala Kangsar and Bidor.

Summary: Percentages of body fat for the children age 11 (11.77%) and 12 years old (12.61%) at Tanjung Malim are the lowest among the others places. There are significant between children age 12 years old between Bidor (19.56%) and Tanjung Malim(12.61%) as well as between Bidor and Seri Manjung (16.26%). There are significant between children age 12 years old between Kuala Kangsar (20.92%) and Tanjung Malim(12.61%) as well as between Kuala Kangsar and Seri Manjung (16.26%).

Summary: The body fat percentages for children age 11(14.24%) and 12 years old (19.56%)at Bidor is the second highest behind Kuala Kangsar. Body fat percentages is higher at Higher SES area (Kuala Kangsar & Bidor) than lower SES area (Tanjung Malim and Seri Manjung). We have concluded that the socio status and its environment have a high influence on BFC in all investigated children.

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