[A comparative study on the status of physique in populations in Chengdu and the whole nation in 2010].

Objective: To understand the status of physique and variational tendency of population in Chengdu, and comparing to the national level, for the purpose of providing evidence in improving the body mass among citizens in Chengdu.

Methods: Different groups were selected by cluster random sampling method, with a total of 5603 samples selected. Body shape, physiological and physical skills were measured according to the 2010 Workbook of Public Physique Monitoring Program and compared to the results from 2010. T test was used.

Results: For body shape, height and weight of the people in Chengdu were lower than the national average levels. Among them, males aged from 45 to 64 years old were 4.0 cm lower, females above 40 years old were 2.0 cm lower in height, when comparing to the national average levels with differences on weight as 3.5-6.4 kg for men and 1.7-3.2 kg for women. The chest, waist and hip circumferences of males were less than the national average levels, but showing at matching levels in women. Upper arm and abdominal skinfold in men were less than the national average, but the scapular skinfold was larger. Scapular skinfold was larger than the national levels, more than 7.1 mm in the 30 to 59 year-olds. Skin folds of the upper arm, shoulder and scapular in females were larger than the national levels. Citizens in Chengdu and the nation showed matching physiological levels. Physical skill of the adults was weaker than the national average level but the quality regarding power of gripping and time of reaction were superior in the elderly.

Conclusion: Levels of physique mass in Chengdu citizens were, in general, lower than the national average level. Elderly appeared having better physical quality, but not in the mid-aged adults. Our data suggested that a great effort should be made to improve the health of the mid-aged adults.