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Abstract:
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Objectives: Chile is a unique example of the nutrition transition,
with improvements in undernutrition and subsequent rapid
increases in obesity occurring at a rate much faster than in
other countries. This study aims to describe the cross-sectional
obesity trends in Chilean preschool children from 1996 to 2004.
Materials and Methods: Anthropometric measurements from
preschool children (ages 2–5) registered in the Junta Nacional
de Jardines Infantiles program from 1996 to 2004 were
analysed. The weight-for-height z score using the World
Health Organization 1977/1985 reference curves for age, sex,
height, and weight were defined to estimate overweight and
obesity. The overall trends in obesity were described for each
study year and generalized estimating equation models were
used to describe trends in obesity after adjusting for the
correlated nature of repeated measurements in individual
children in consecutive years.
Results: The prevalence of obese and overweight children has
remained constant in both boys and girls during the past 9 years;
however, after adjustment for repeated measurements in
individual children, the odds of obesity increased by 30%
each year (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval
[CI] 1.27–1.31, P<0.001). Furthermore, the odds of obesity
were significantly greater in both August and November
compared with March.
Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity in Chilean preschool
children continues to be a major public health concern, and
cross-sectional trends may underestimate the magnitude of the
problem. JPGN 47:339–343, 2008. Key Words: Chile—
Nutrition transition—Obesity—Preschool children. # 2008
by European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology,
Hepatology, and Nutrition and North American Society for
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition |