Secular Changes of Adiposity in Czech Children Aged from 3 to 6 Years: Latent Obesity in Preschool Age

Area of Science:

• Pediatric endocrinology
• Human biology
• Public health

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
• Understanding trends in body composition is crucial for monitoring child health.
• Longitudinal studies are needed to track changes in pediatric anthropometry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in body composition of Czech children over six decades.
• To identify trends in Body Mass Index (BMI), skinfold thickness, and circumference measures.
• To assess the prevalence of latent obesity and its potential health implications.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional anthropometric measurements of Czech children aged 3-6 years.
• Data collected in three distinct periods: late 1950s/1960s, 1990s, and 2014-2016.
• Statistical analysis comparing BMI, skinfold thicknesses, and limb circumferences across cohorts.

Main Results:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) remained largely unchanged, with some groups showing a decrease.
• Subcutaneous fat, measured by skinfolds, significantly increased across all measured sites from the 1950s/60s to 2014-2016.
• Adiposity increased most notably on the trunk, a high-risk area, and lower extremity muscle mass decreased.

Conclusions:

• Increased adiposity without significant BMI change suggests latent or hidden obesity in children.
• The shift towards central adiposity indicates elevated health risks.
• Decreased muscle mass in the lower extremities points to reduced physical activity.