Hubungan Persentase Lemak Tubuh, Indeks Massa Tubuh, dan Asupan Zat Gizi Makro dengan Usia Menarche pada Siswi SMP Kota Medan

Abstract

Menarche is the onset of menstruation experienced by a girl as she enters puberty. Various studies from around the world have shown that the age of menarche tends to occur earlier. A diet rich in macronutrients plays a role in accelerating the onset of menarche. In addition, genetic factors may also influence earlier menarche. This study aims to determine the relationship between body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), and macronutrient intake in relation to the age of menarche among adolescent girls in Medan. The methodology used in this research is a cross sectional design. The sample consisted of 99 female students who had experienced menstruation, selected through incidental sampling. Data collection involved measuring body fat percentage using BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), BMI using BIA and a microtoise, and recording macronutrient intake over a 2x24-hour period. Age at menarche was recorded through a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test. The results showed that most respondents were 12 years old, with the average age of menarche also being 12 years. About 56.6% of the students had a low body fat percentage, 68.7% fell into the normal BMI category, 68.7% had inadequate carbohydrate intake, 46.5% had more than sufficient protein intake, and 50.5% showed excessive fat intake. The study also found a relationship between body fat percentage, BMI, and the intake of protein and fat with the age of menarche. However, there was no relationship between carbohydrate intake and age of menarche among the students. Schools are encouraged to collaborate with public health centers or nutritionists to conduct regular monitoring of students’ nutritional status, including measurements of body mass index and body fat percentage.