Dynamics of anthropometric indices of children and adolescents in the city of Volgograd (1976-2016)

Based on three investigations (1976, 2000, 2016), conducted using the uniform procedures, we compared physical development characteristics of school-age children (aged of 7-17) in the city of Volgograd between 1976 and 2016. Between 1976 and 2000 we found the physical rate of growth in younger school children to stabilize. We also observed the gain in the body length in older age groups as well as higher weight and height growth rates. Between 2000 and 2016 we recorded a decrease in the body length and weight gain in most children and adolescents which was more male-specific. In general, between 1976 and 2016 there was a decrease in body length in both girls and boys of the primary school age, an increase in the body length in boys aged 12-17 and in girls of 13 years as well as a weight gain in children of the school age. The dynamics of physical development characteristics should be considered when developing preventive and health-promoting measures.