Using the height-weight classification model for the systematization of the anthropometrical variables of the body composition in Latvian women

A study of 349 women aged 18-20 years from Latvia was performed. Body height and weight, 4 measurements of length, 3 measurements of breadth, 4 circumferences and 4 skinfolds were measured, and 8 indices were calculated. The subjects were divided into five standard deviation classes according to height and weight applying the Estonian reference values [11, 12]. There were 3 classes with conformity between height and weight class: I - small (small height and small weight), 11 - medium (medium height and medium weight), M - large (large height and large weight), IV - weight class dominating (pyknomorphic) and V - height class dominating (leptomorphic). In the first three classes height and weight were proportional. It was found that a statistical difference existed between the opposite classes-the fourth and the fifth class. It was also revealed that the three proportional classes differed from each other significantly. Increase in body height and weight also showed to an increase in the length and breadth measurements, circumferences and skinfolds. In IV (pyknomorphic) class circumferences and skinfolds were bigger. In V (leptomorphic) class all the heights were bigger. The present study showed that the five height-weight mean and SD classification model applying the Estonian reference values for anthropometrical variables systematization was usable for Latvian women.