The article presents the results of a survey of schoolchildren aged 7–8 living in the Altai Republic. Anthropometric studies of pupils in general secondary schools have been conducted and their level of physical development has been determined using the index method. The study found that the children of this age group have a low level of physical development and their type of build is defined as asthenic, more pronounced among girls. There’s also a body mass deficit. Lack of physical development can be related to climatic characteristics, nutritional patterns and lifestyles.