Defining obesity in childhood: current practice

A survey of information from 26 countries was performed to examine the meth ods, cutoff points, and reference materials used to define obesity in child hood and adolescence. The body mass index (in kg/m(2)) was used frequently, as well as several other methods. Reference materials used were often base d on national surveys, although reference data from other countries were so metimes used. The data presented was often insufficient to judge the repres entativeness of the reference material. Cutoff points varied considerably. Available data allow neither a meaningful international estimation of the p revalence of obesity nor international comparisons. Although associated wit h considerable problems, this situation can be improved with an internation al consensus which, by necessity, will be riddled with uncertainties and co mpromises.