Prevalence of overweight and underweight in schoolchildren in Constantine, Algeria: comparison of four reference cut-off points for body mass index.

Background: Algeria is experiencing a nutritional transition and increasing overweight in children.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and underweight in children aged 6-10 years in Constantine city, Algeria using four international reference cut-offs for body mass index.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2015 with a sample of 509 schoolchildren aged 6-10 years.