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. 2016 Jul-Aug;22(4):331-6.
doi: 10.4103/1319-3767.187608.

The LMS and Z scale growth reference for Saudi school-age children and adolescents

Affiliations

The LMS and Z scale growth reference for Saudi school-age children and adolescents

Mohammad I El Mouzan et al. Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2016 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Background/aim: To establish L, M, and S parameters and z score reference for the assessment of nutrition and growth of Saudi school-age children and adolescents.

Subjects and methods: Data from the original cross-sectional study were reanalyzed. The L, M, and S parameters and z scores were calculated for weight, height and body mass index for school-age children and adolescents.

Results: A total of 19,299 subjects from 5 to 18 years of age were included. All were Saudi nationals and 9,827 (50.9%) were boys. The L M S parameters and z scores for weight for age, height for age, and BMI for age for boys and girls are presented in detailed tables across the age of commonly used z scores (+3, +2, +1, 0, -1, -2, -3). Graphs corresponding to the same parameters (weight, height, and BMI) showing the main z scores across all ages from 5 to 18 years are illustrated.

Conclusion: This report provides the first reference for nutritional status and growth of Saudi school-age children and adolescents. This tool is essential for more accurate assessment of growth and nutrition in various clinical conditions and research.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Weight for age z scores for boys
Figure 2
Figure 2
Height for age z scores for boys
Figure 3
Figure 3
Body mass index for age z scores for boys
Figure 4
Figure 4
Weight for age z scores for girls
Figure 5
Figure 5
Height for age z scores for girls
Figure 6
Figure 6
Body mass index for age z scores for girls

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