Ozge Bayrak DEMIREL, Cansu KOC, Nur Mine SUKUR, Asli Derya KARDELEN, Melek YILDIZ, Sukran POYRAZOGLU, Firdevs BAS, Jan M. WIT, Feyza DARENDELILER
Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology - 2026;18(1):105-112
Objective: Turkish growth reference charts are based on 1989-2002 data. Globally, positive secular trends in height have been observed, and updating growth charts every 20 years is recommended. Additionally, obesity is a rising health issue worldwide. This study investigates if there has been a further increase in young Turkish adults' mean height and body mass index (BMI) compared to previous national data (TK2002) and Turkish-origin young adults in the Netherlands. It also explores the association between adult height and BMI with socioeconomic status (SES) and geographical region. Methods: This cross-sectional study (2023-2024) included 217 females and 248 males, aged 18-26, voluntarily recruited randomly selected from İstanbul University, representing all regions of Türkiye. Height, weight, and SES were recorded. The top two SES groups were combined for analysis. Results: Sample distribution aligned with Türkiye's regional population distribution. Mean height was 1.8 cm taller in females (p=0.003) and males (p<0.001) compared to TK2002, and also taller (2.3 and 0.5 cm, respectively, p<0.001 and p=0.03) than in Netherlands measured in 2009 (NL2009). BMI was significantly higher in males than in TK2002 and NL2009 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Final height of Turkish students increased by 1.8 cm in both sexes over two decades. Males' BMI was alarmingly high (58% overweight or obese). A population growth study to generate updated growth charts from birth to young adulthood and prevention programs to reduce obesity are needed.
