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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
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Change in Growth Status and Obesity Rates among Saudi Children and Adolescents Is Partially Attributed to

Essra A Noorwali1, Abeer M Aljaadi1, Hala H Al-Otaibi2

  • 1Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This review highlights the need for updated anthropometric measurement guidelines for Saudi children and adolescents. Establishing standardized Saudi growth charts and cutoffs is crucial for accurate health assessments and malnutrition detection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Anthropometry

Background:

  • Anthropometric measurements are vital for assessing child and adolescent health.
  • Standardized protocols are essential for accurate interpretation of health status.
  • Existing Saudi guidelines require updates to align with national health objectives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review international and Saudi guidelines on anthropometric measurements.
  • To identify studies on Saudi children and adolescents to inform national guideline development.
  • To provide recommendations for establishing Saudi-specific anthropometric guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search conducted in Medline, PubMed, Saudi Digital Library, and Google Scholar (1990-2021).
  • Analysis of 167 studies measuring anthropometrics in Saudi children/adolescents.
  • Identification of 33 studies relevant to Saudi growth charts, cutoffs, or growth trends.

Main Results:

  • A significant number of studies (167) have measured anthropometrics in Saudi youth.
  • 33 studies contributed to Saudi-specific growth data, charts, or trend analysis.
  • The review identified a need for updated growth charts and standard cutoffs for Saudi adolescents.

Conclusions:

  • Updating Saudi growth charts and establishing standard anthropometric cutoffs are necessary.
  • Standardized national guidelines will improve the detection of malnutrition.
  • This review offers resources and recommendations for policymakers and the Ministry of Health.

Keywords:
Saudi Arabiaadolescentsanthropometrychildrengrowth chartsgrowth standardsobesity

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