Anthropometric changes in children and adolescents from 1965 to 2005 in Korea

The aim of this study was to assess the secular growth changes in Korean children and adolescents during the last four decades. In 2005, 68,790 boys and 62,557 girls were recruited for this study across the nation in 2005. Anthropometric data (weight, height, etc.) were measured. We compared the results of previous nationwide growth studies with this study. The results of this survey indicate that the growth and developmental status of Korean children and adolescents has been changed substantially compared with those in 1965, 1975, 1984, and 1997. The data presented in this study show a distinct secular increase in growth in body height and weight of Korean children and adolescents spanning this period. A nationwide survey every 5 years would be beneficial to establish a reference standard for the growth of children and adolescents according to the socioeconomic, environmental, and nutritional changes.