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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Pediatric overweight or obesity: does the label really matter?
Julee Waldrop1, Laurie Anne Ferguson
1School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA. jwaldrop@unc.edu
Summary
Early identification of overweight and obesity in young children is crucial. Current guidelines and expert opinions offer recommendations for healthcare providers, though more research on interventions is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Overweight and obesity in infants and young children represent a significant public health concern.
- Early identification is essential for timely intervention and management of pediatric obesity.
- Existing growth charts and guidelines require careful consideration for accurate assessment.
Observation:
- Healthcare providers and the public acknowledge the severity of pediatric overweight and obesity.
- There is ongoing debate regarding the definition and diagnostic criteria for obesity in very young children.
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) provide different growth charts.
Findings:
- Comparison of WHO and CDC growth charts reveals variations in assessing pediatric weight status.
- Current evidence suggests a need for standardized approaches to identifying overweight and obesity in infants and children.
- Expert opinion highlights the challenges in defining and intervening in early childhood obesity.
Implications:
- Primary care providers frequently encounter the health consequences of childhood obesity.
- Recommendations are provided for nurse practitioners managing pediatric weight concerns.
- Further research into effective interventions and long-term outcomes for pediatric obesity is critical.
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