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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Prevalence and correlates of obesity in preschool children
B Hernandez1, C R Uphold, M V Graham
1University of Florida, College of Medicine, Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, College of Nursing, Gainesville, USA.
Insights
Childhood obesity affects 32% of preschoolers in this study. Obese children showed higher blood pressure, highlighting a link between pediatric obesity and health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Childhood Health
- Nutritional Disorders
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a prevalent nutritional disorder.
- The complexities and contributing factors of pediatric obesity are not fully understood.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing childhood obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of obesity among preschool-aged children.
- To investigate the association between childhood obesity and demographic factors such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status.
- To examine the relationship between obesity and specific health problems in young children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 309 children enrolled in a Head Start program.
- Data collection included demographic information, anthropometric measurements, and health indicators.
- Statistical analysis to compare obese and non-obese children.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of obesity was found to be 32% (99 out of 309 children).
- Obese preschool children exhibited significantly higher blood pressure readings compared to their non-obese peers.
- Preliminary findings suggest a correlation between childhood obesity and elevated blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is a significant health concern in the preschool population studied.
- Higher blood pressure in obese children indicates potential early-onset cardiovascular risks.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the factors associated with preschool obesity and its long-term health implications.
Abstract:
Obesity, a common nutritional disorder in childhood, is a complex problem that is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of obesity in preschool children, and to examine the relationships between obesity and gender, race, socioeconomic status, and health problems. Data were collected from 309 charts of children enrolled in a Head Start program. Ninety-nine (32%) of the children were obese. Obese children had significantly higher blood pressure readings than those who were not obese. This study represents a beginning effort to learn more about the prevalence of, and factors associated with, obesity in preschoolers.
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