Abstract
BackgroundChildhood overweight and obesity have increased progressively in developing countries and nowadays they are considered as a global epidemic.The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2–5 year-old children in kindergartens of Birjand in 2008.FindingsThis cross- sectional and descriptive- analytical study was conducted on 500 children, who were 2–5 years-old, in kindergartens of Birjand selected through census. It was found that prevalence of overweight was 10.6% (11.7% in females and 9.6% in males) and obesity 7.6% (6.3% in females and 9.6% in males). Prevalence of overweight and obesity were statistically significant regarding birth weight, mother's occupation and father's level of education.ConclusionPrevalence of overweight and obesity in pre-schoolchildren is more than that of 7–18 year-old group in Birjand, but it is less than the result of similar studies in Tehran and most studies in other countries. Further studies are recommended to identify risk factors in obese children. Periodic studies are necessary to compare the changes in prevalence of obesity in children in future.
Highlights
Childhood overweight and obesity have increased progressively in developing countries and nowadays they are considered as a global epidemic
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in pre-schoolchildren is more than that of 7–18 year-old group in Birjand, but it is less than the result of similar studies in Tehran and most studies in other countries
Further studies are recommended to identify risk factors in obese children
Summary
Childhood overweight and obesity have increased progressively in developing countries and nowadays they are considered as a global epidemic. The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2–5 year-old children in kindergartens of Birjand in 2008. A marked increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been observed in the last few decades, both in adults and in children worldwide [2]. Childhood overweight and obesity have increased progressively in developing countries but nowadays they are considered as a global epidemic [3]. Analysis of 144 studies in different countries, during 2010, showed that 43 millions of preschool children were overweight or obese, while 35 millions of them belonged to developing countries, and 92 millions were. Changes in the life style, urbanization, mal-nutrition, and use of high calorie fast foods and decreased physical activity, due to watching TV and playing sedentary games, are significant causes of children's obesity [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
