Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Childhood obesity: different definition criteria, different prevalence rate

A Luciano1, F Bressan, M Bolognani

  • 1University Chair of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics, Verona City Hospital, Verona, Italy. antonio.luciano@univr.it

Minerva Pediatrica
|December 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity prevalence varies significantly based on the growth charts and indicators used. Standardizing these factors is crucial for accurate epidemiological studies on pediatric obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Public Health
  • Biostatistics

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern.
  • Accurate prevalence data is essential for intervention strategies.
  • Existing methods for determining childhood obesity prevalence lack standardization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate how different reference growth curves influence childhood obesity prevalence estimates.
  • To compare the commonly used overweight (OW%) and body mass index (BMI) centile indicators.
  • To assess the impact of indicator choice on obesity prevalence in children aged 3-17 years.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study design.
  • Inclusion of 40,068 children (19,892 males, 20,176 females) aged 3 to 17 years.
  • Comparison of obesity prevalence using Tanner-Whitehouse curves versus custom-derived curves and BMI 90th percentile cut-off versus OW%.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence rates differed based on the obesity indicator and reference curves employed.
  • Tanner-Whitehouse curves showed peak prevalence up to 18% in specific age groups.
  • Custom curves and BMI 90th percentile yielded varying prevalence rates, with greater discrepancies in younger children (3-8 years).

Conclusions:

  • The choice of reference curves and obesity indicators significantly impacts childhood obesity prevalence findings.
  • Epidemiological studies should aim for consistent indicators, cut-offs, and population-specific, recent reference curves.
  • Standardization is recommended for reliable and comparable data on pediatric obesity.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil06:48

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil

Published on: July 29, 2020

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training06:51

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

Published on: July 27, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Anorexia Nervosa01:28

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa01:30

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
Binge Eating Disorders01:23

Binge Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.