THE PROBLEM OF ABNORMAL BODY WEIGHT IN CHILDRENFROM SOUTHERN POLAND

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of being underweight, overweight and obese in preschool and younger school children, as well to determine the critical age groups at which the highest risk of an excessive body weight development is observed in each sex. Basic procedures: The study included 6,589 children aged 4-12 years, including 48.6% of girls and 51.3% of boys. Body mass index (BMI was calculated and body weight status was determined as underweight, norm, overweight or obese. The age groups at the highest risk of obesity development in each sex were noted. Results: Being overweight was diagnosed in 15.2% of girls, while obesity in 4.2%. In boys, being overweight occurred in 12.8% and obesity in 6.9%. The least cases of obesity (4%) were recorded for 4-year-olds, the most (14%) among 9-year-olds. The problem of being underweight affected almost 12% of participants. Main findings: Too low body weight was noted in every eighth child and excessive body weight in every fifth child aged 4-12 years. The highest increase in the prevalence of being overweight and obese was observed between groups of 8- and 9-year-old children. The difference in the incidence of excessive body weight in the two groups was 8% in girls and 6% in boys. Conclusion: A school nurse and physical education teachers should pay particular attention to systematic monitoring of body weight gain for children aged 7, 8 and 9. Then it is also necessary to intensify educational activities promoting healthy lifestyles.