Abstract: Objective To explore the spatial distribution of physique indices in Chinese male youth. Methods Spatial distribution maps of height, weight, chest-circumference, vervaeck index, detectable rate of sturdiness, detectable rate of slimness in Chinese male youth were produced using a local spatial interpolation technique in the ArcGIS 8.1 software. Cross-validation techniques were used to evaluate the fitness of these distribution maps. Results The spatial distribution map for height, weight, chest-circumference and vervaeck index in Chinese male youth shows a consistent distribution trend, which from north to south indicate that these indices tend towards smallness. The male youth in the north-east, north China, the northern part of north-west and the eastern part of east China except the Erdos Plateau are high in height. The youth in the north2east, north China and the eastern part of east China are comparatively sturdy. Youth in the area of Tibetan plateau, median part of south2west and the southern part of Shaanxi are slim in their bodily forms. Conclusion There are significant spatial differences in the physique of Chinese male youth. Influence of geographical environment , climate and economy on adolescent physique should be studied further.

Key words: Physique; Geographical difference; Male youth