Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
[Infantile and juvenile obesity: a medicosocial problem]
Insights
Childhood obesity, often caused by excess calorie intake, affects 60 schoolchildren. Many children with excess weight have overweight parents, highlighting the need for dietary interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Context:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern.
- A study examined 536 schoolchildren aged 11-16.
- Anthropometric measurements identified 60 cases of ponderal excess.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of childhood obesity.
- To identify contributing factors such as caloric intake and parental weight.
- To emphasize the need for preventative dietary measures.
Summary:
- 60 schoolchildren (11-16 years) exhibited ponderal excess (10-50%+).
- Excess weight was linked to high caloric intake.
- 50% of affected children had overweight parents.
Impact:
- Highlights childhood obesity as a significant medical and social issue.
- Underscores the importance of early intervention and dietary prophylaxis.
- Provides data on the prevalence of exogenous obesity in schoolchildren.
Abstract:
The authors studied a series of 536 schoolchildren aged from 11 to 16 years. Anthropometric measurements defined 60 cases as having a ponderal excess of 10% to 50% in comparison to height. This ponderal excess was 10% to 20% by 11 children, 20% to 30% in 26 cases, 30% to 50% by 16 children and more than 50% by another 7 children. All the cases were due to an excess of ingested calories. 50% of children had one or both parents with excess of weight. The exogenous form of childhood obesity seems to be an important medical and social problem in our country and impose the reinforcement of prophylaxis by dietary measures.
Related Concept Videos
Obesity
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders

