The relationships of leptin with different anthropometric parameters, in normal, overweight and obese peripubertal boys, is not completely understood. Aim of the present investigation is to assess possible relationships of leptin with skinfolds thicknesses, and body segments in different BMI groups of prepubertal boys (Tanner). Methods. A sample of 248 boys (age 10-12 y) were divided (Cole et al. 2000) into three BMI subgroups: normal weight, n=190 (BMI<19.8-21.9); overweight, n=34 (BMI<24.0-26.8) and obese, n=24 (BMI 6524.0-26.8). 9 skinfolds and 13 circumferences were measured and the waist-to-hip ratio was calculated (tab.1). A 10 ml blood sample was obtained from the antecubital vein with the participant sitting in an upright position in the morning (8-9 a.m.) after an overnight fast. Leptin concentrations were determined by mean of an immunoassay ELISA sandwich method
