Association between socioeconomic vulnerability and height with obesity in low-income Chilean children in the transition from preschool to first grade.

This study determined the percentage of obesity among lower-income Chilean children 4-6 years of age, by socioeconomic vulnerability (family score assessing the children's risk of becoming poor) and height. The sample included 17,080 children with anthropometry at 4, 5, and 6 years of age, and three categories of socioeconomic vulnerability. Body mass index Z-score (BMI Z), % obesity, height/age Z-score (HAZ) by socioeconomic vulnerability/sex, the effect of socioeconomic vulnerability on BMI Z and HAZ by age/sex, and BMI Z and % obesity at 4-6 years, according to initial height, were determined.

[Evolution of the nutritional status of Chilean children from preschool to school age: anthropometric results according to the source of the data].

Because the results of the nutritional status released by Chilean institutions which collect anthropometric data on their population under control, show different increments in the prevalence of obesity between preschoolers and children in 1st grade, we decided to verify the real magnitude of this increase. This study is based on a longitudinal investigation which began in 2006 and included 1100, three-year old children, which we evaluated when they were 4, 5 and 6 y. The nutritional status was determined according to BMI Z and WHO References 2006/2007.

[Frequency of obesity and overweight among school age children living in southern Chile].

Background: The frequency of obesity is increasing steadily in Chile.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of obesity and overweight in children and teenagers living in three southern Chilean cities.

Material And Methods: The database of an evaluation performed in 2006 in schools, was used to obtain weight and height of 32514 subjects aged 12 ± 4 years (48% males).

[Nutritional surveillance in Chilean schoolchildren: validity of the information].

Background: Anthropometry is used to survey health and nutritional situation of the population. Therefore the quality of the information that is being used must be evaluated.

Aim: To estimate the agreement in weight, height and nutritional status in schoolchildren, comparing measurements made by teachers in schools and a standardized and supervised team of professionals.

Association of perinatal factors and obesity in 6- to 8-year-old Chilean children.

Background: It has been reported in Chile that obesity figures in children of 6- to 8-years-old are associated with height for age. We studied the possible influence of perinatal variables on obesity at 6- to 8-years-old controlling for height for age.

Methods: All children with 6-8 years of age attending first grade in public primary schools of Chile in year 2005 were included.

Trends in height and BMI of 6-year-old children during the nutrition transition in Chile.

Objective: We analyzed trends in height and BMI and their interaction in 6-year-old Chilean children over the last 15 years.

Research Methods And Procedures: We calculated height for age z-score (HAZ), BMI z-score, prevalence of obesity, underweight, and stunting from cross-sectional national school-based annual population surveys in 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2000, and 2002. Using mixed model analysis, we determined the risk of obesity according to height over time as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval and the potential influence of height and year of study on BMI z-score.

[Evolution of the nutritional status of six years old Chilean children (1987-2003)].

Background: As a consequence of the epidemiological transition in Chile, the nutritional status of the population has changed notoriously.

Aim: To study the changes in the nutritional status of six years-old Chilean children from 1987 to 2003.

Material And Methods: The computer data base of a government institution in charge of the School Lunch Program (JUNAEB) was used.