Abstract: This paper investigates the growth and development in stature, weight and body surface area of juveniles belonging to the Yao nationality, and to provide an evaluation system for a health index structure. Individual body surface area and an average number of 12 age groups between 7-18 year-olds was calculated using the formula of Stevenson and Hu Yong-mei. The results of this research included the following details: juveniles of the Yao nationality showed an increased body surface area, stature and weight with age; and the increasing speed of growth for both male and female students was divided into three different categories, “steady”, “fast” and “slow”. The curve of stature, weight and body surface area shows the double-crossing phenomenon. In terms of body surface area, the results of this research calculated by Hu Yong- mei's formula were higher than those by Stevenson's (P <0. 01).

Key words: Stature; Weight; Body surface area; Juvenile; Yao