Overweight and obesity as components of malnutrition in schoolchildren from Corrientes, Argentina

Abstract

Objective: To measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren from Corrientes. 

Methods and Materials: Between March 2000 and September 2002, a cross sectional study was performed in shoolchildren of both sexes, aged 6-11 years in the population of Corrientes. The values for height/age, weight/age and weight/height were converted into z scores, and compared with NCHS reference values. 

Results: 3.931 children were studied, 14,1% were overweight and 8,3% obese. Average z scores for height/age were -0.45 (95% CI -0.45 to -0.38), weight/age -0.15 (range -0.17 to -0.08) and weight/height 0.24 (range 0.20 to 0.26). 

Conclusions: Our results show that obesity and overweight children coexist with those who are underweight. There is a preemptory need of health education and prevention in schools.