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

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.