ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess obesity and metabolic risks for non-communicable diseases among adolescent swimmers.

Methods: A cohort of 220 swimmers was selected at their respective swimming clubs via quota sampling and measured using various anthropometric parameters, which were then compared with standard cut-off points for the various age groups.

Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) was 21.23 ± 3.85 kg/m², the mean waist circumference was 69.8 ± 8.08 cm, and the mean body fat percentage was 21.20 ± 9.27%. These mean body composition variables fell within their respective recommended ranges according to the cut-off points. Height (p < 0.001), weight (p < 0.011), mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC] (p = 0.035) and visceral fat (p = 0.033) were statistically significant when compared between males and females. Chi-square analysis revealed that gender was statistically significantly associated with waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] (p < 0.001) and body fat percentage [BFP] (p = 0.003), while BFP was statistically significantly associated with BMI (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), WHR (p = 0.026), MUAC (p < 0.001) and skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The swimmers had an overall healthy body composition and were at low risk for developing non-communicable diseases. We recommend that Trinidad and Tobago develop anthropometric cut-off points for athletes and non-athletes.