Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2-5 years children based on new WHO growth standards in Ahvaz, Iran 2008-2009

authors:

avatar Seddighe Nouhjah , *


how to cite: Nouhjah S. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2-5 years children based on new WHO growth standards in Ahvaz, Iran 2008-2009. Jentashapir J Cell Mol Biol. 2011;2(2): 1-7. 

Abstract

Background:

Immediate and long term effects of overweight and obesity in childhood, introduce this phenomena as a potential risk factor for many health consequences. Limited studies are focused on
prevalence of children obesity based on new WHO growth standards in Iran. The aim of this study was
to determine prevalence of overweight and obesity in children attending health centers based on new
world health organization growth standards.

Material and methods:

In a cross-sectional study 1035 children 2-5 years old, attending urban public health centers
for receiving routine children health care were surveyed in 2009. Interview with mother, filling a
questionnaire by trained questioner andmeasurement of weight and height by trained investigators were
instruments for data collection. Soft ware of WHO for PL (WHO anthro version 2006) used for data
analysis after entrancing data in SPSS software. Overweight and obesity was defined based on Body
Mass Index/age above 2SD and 3SD of median Z square.

Results:

Overall, 15% of the children were overweight. Highest prevalence of overweight was observed
in the 24-35 month age group (19.4%).In different age groups of boys and girls, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was calculated 16.7%and 13.3%respectively. Overall prevalence of obesitywas 7.3%. Highest prevalence of obesity in the 24-35 month age group (10.4%) was observed. Prevalence of obesity in boys and girls was 9% and 5.6% respectively.

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