ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS USING BODY FAT PERCENTAGE AMONG 11 TO 14 YEAR-OLD STUDENTS IN TU SON TOWN, BAC NINH PRIVINCE, 2019

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate nutritional status among students aged 11-14 in Tu Son town, Bac Ninh province using the body fat percentage index. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 430 students at two junior high schools in Tu Son town. The percentage of body fat was evaluated using body composition monitor Omron HBF375. Research results showed that the body fat percentage in students had significant changes with age. Body fat percentage began to differ between boys and girls at the age of 13. The average of body fat percentage among boys was 19.41%; girls was 21.33% (P < 0.001). From the percentile threshold of body fat percentage built in this study, we determined the nutritional status for children in Tu Son town. Accordingly, the rate of students with a normal nutritional status was 78.61%, the rate of overweight - obesity was 15.81%. Thus, the rate of overweight - obesity among students in Tu Son town was relatively high. There should be activities to educate about healthy eating habits and physical activity for students to maintain a suitable weight for height and improve health.