Resumo

FAILDE MARTINEZ, Inmaculada et al. Anthropometric profile and the prevalence of obesity amongst schoolchildren in Ubrique, Cadiz. Rev. Esp. Salud Publica [online]. 1998, vol.72, n.4, pp.357-364. ISSN 2173-9110.

BACKGROUND: adult obesity is an important risk factor for a range of chronic illnesses, and seems to be linked with obesity in childhood. The identification of children at risk of obesity could therefore be a suitable means of preventing these illnesses in adults. The aim of our study was to determine the anthropometric profile and prevalence of obesity in a population of schoolchildren in a rural town in Cadiz, which is also a major industrial centre. METHOD: a cross-sectional study was carried out, in which a representative sample of 493 schoolchildren of both sexes and aged from 4 to 14 years old was studied. They were measured for height, weight, chest circumference, tricipital cutaneous folding, and their IMC was calculated. The results were compared with a Spanish reference population. To measure obesity IMC > 25 kg/m² was used. RESULTS: height, weight, chest circumference, tricipital cutaneous folding and the IMC showed values that were slightly above those corresponding to the reference population, and there was a low incidence of obesity. These results are along the lines of studies published by the authors on the eating habits of this population.

Palavras-chave : Anthropometry; Obesity; Schoolchildren; Tricipital Cutaneous Fold; IMC; Chest circumference.

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