Puberty phenomena concerning ages of onset and ending, speed and magnitude of expression, and interrelations are variable. Such phenomena influence anthropometric and body composition changes characterizing the process of growth and development during adolescence. This article has the objective of analyzing the influence of sexual maturing status on nutritional status, anthropometry and body composition in adolescents of both sexes. Literature review was accomplished through the use of the terms "Adolescent, Puberty and Body Composition" through consultation to the HighWire Press® database. Articles published from January 1995 to July 2006 were utilized, including others previously published and relevant to the subject. To assess nutritional status, anthropometric and body composition changes, during adolescence it is extremely important that consideration is not restricted to chronological age but extended to sexual maturity as well. The considerable methodological difficulties related to puberty staging should be emphasized. There is a need to accomplish further studies to clarify sexual maturing staging in anthropometric and body composition parameters, enabling systematic building and use of references considering puberty development.
Adolescence; Puberty and body composition