OBESITY IN CHILEAN PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN - A NTHROPOMETRIC EVOLUTION ANDSOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS

Background: The prevalence of obesity among low-income preschool child ren has increased in Chile. Aim: To compare the anthropometric evoluti on of obese and non obese children from birth and to determine the inf luence of maternal body composition and socioeconomic variables with c hildhood obesity. Subjects and methods: Using a case control design, 2 37 obese, 449 normal and 54 overweight 4 year old low income children, attending 8 public outpatient clinics in Santiago, were studied. Anth ropometric data since birth to the moment of the study was gathered fr om the clinical charts at the clinics. Results: Z scores for height/ag e and weight/height were significantly higher at all ages, excepting h eight/age in boys at the moment of birth. At the moment of the study, obese and overweight children were four and one cm taller than the nor mal weight controls. Maternal body mass index (odds ratio 3.07), being a first child, having a working mother, to have a telephone at home a nd birth weight were the variables significantly associated with obesi ty, according to an adjusted effects analysis. Conclusions. The strong association of maternal and offspring obesity implies that the preven tion of childhood obesity must consider health actions directed toward s mothers as well.