Secular Trend of Growth in Height, Weight and Body Mass Index in Young Romanians Aged 18-24 Years☆

Abstract The secular trend in height growth recorded in recent years is declining in most Western European countries, while the weight increase trend is becoming more obvious. The present research aims to analyze the trend of growth in height, weight and body mass index (BMI) in the young people participating in the admission examination to the National University of Physical Education and Sport (NUPES) in Bucharest at a distance of 12 years in time. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI) were used and performed within the medical examination that is part of the admission requirements in 1998 and 2010. Within the research a total of 440 young people were evaluated, ranging from 18-24 years of age; 247 in 1998, and 193 in 2010.