Contrast in somatic variables among traditional and modernized Maya females

The pattern of growth of body size variables and apical pulse rate have been suggested to be significant to cardiovascular status in adulthood. In order to investigate influences on the growth pattern of somatic variables in juveniles in contrasting environments, the relationships of body size variables, apical pulse, and age, and the patterns of family aggregations and of heritability of these were examined among juveniles in a modernizing society. Weight, height, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, and apical pulse were measured and weight/height2 was calculated for 431 urban and rural dwelling juvenile Maya females aged 9.5 to 20.4 years, and a sample of their mothers (n=96) living in the state of Yucatán, México. In addition, comparisons were made of the somatic variables for urban and rural sibling pairs (n=89) and motherdaughter pairings (n=149). Weight, height, and skinfolds were consistently lower in rural juveniles, and urban-rural variation was noted in the pattern of growth. Urban-rural variation was evident in the patterns of family aggregation and heritability of body size variables. Family tendency was generally elevated in the urban sample, but with some major deviations. Urban-rural variations, correlations among the variables, and the patterns of family aggregation support the conclusion that different influences are operating in this population regarding development of height, of weight, and of subcutaneous fat deposition.