Physical Growth Status of Affluent Arora children of Amritsar

In the present cross-sectional study an attempt has been made to investigate the growth pattern of affluent Arora pre-school children of Amritsar (Punjab). Two anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were taken on 1879 children (949- boys and 930- girls) ranging in age from 2-5 years. The children from six creches, fifteen play-pen or kindergarten and three public schools of Amritsar formed the study group. From weight and height, body mass index was calculated using standard formula. It has been observed from the present study that there is increase in the mean values of weight and height with advancements of age and the increment in these variables was uniform throughout all the age groups. The boys were heavier and taller than girls in all the age groups and in the pooled sample. It is also evident from this study that the mean value of BMI decreased from age group 2+ to 5+ among both boys and girls, respectively. Arora boys and girls are heavier and taller than the other Punjabi and Indian children.