Anthropometric Characteristics of Tunisian Population in Comparison to the World.

Background: Anthropometry is the one and only universally applicable, inexpensive and non-invasive method for studying the proportions of the human body. Anthropometric measurements reflect nutritional status and health, but can also be used to predict skills, health status and survival. It is therefore a reliable tool, but currently underused, to guide public health policies.

Aim: Therefore, this study investigated anthropometric characters of Tunisian people and compared it with those of other nationalities.

Methods: 429 subjects have participated in this study (322 men and 107 women), aged between 20 and 85. Anthropometric measurements used in this study were body mass, body size, thigh circumference, lower limbs length and body mass index.

Results: With an average body size of 171 cm for men and 157 cm for women, Tunisians were close to neighboring countries. Nevertheless, with a body mass of 77.23 kg and 72.66 kg and a BMI of 26.48 and 29.18 respectively for men and women, Tunisia has the highest prevalence of obesity in the region, especially for women. Several anthropometric correlations have also been noticed such as relationships between thigh circumference, BMI, body mass, lower limbs length, and body size.

Conclusion: Obesity is proving to be a public health problem for which effective strategies and measures are needed.