TRENDS IN WEIGHT-FOR-HEIGHT AND TRICEPS SKINFOLD THICKNESS FOR ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH CHILDREN, 1972-1982 AND 1982-1990

Data from the 1972, 1982 and 1990 surveys of the National Study of Hea lth and Growth were used to calculate changes in height, weight, trice ps skinfold thickness and weight-for-height index for children aged be tween 4.5 and 11.99 years. There were data for 7887,6396 and 6420 whit e English children in the 3 years respectively, and data for 1586, 119 1 and 1317 Scottish children. Increases in all measurements were found from 1972 to 1990, except for weight-for-height in English boys, and were generally greater from 1982 to 1990 than from 1972 to 1982. Appro ximately a third of the increases in weight-for-height and triceps ski nfold thickness from 1972 to 1990 were associated with increases in pa rental body mass indices and decreases in family size. No consistent d ifferences in trends were found between social groups. Greater trends were found for girls and for Scottish children, and Scottish boys are now heavier and fatter than their English counterparts. Trends in weig ht-for-height and fatness may have implications for future trends in c oronary heart disease, and lessen the likelihood that the targets for reductions in obesity in the White Paper Health of the Nation1 will be met. Preventive measures should be directed at the entire population.