Body index measurements in 1996-7 compared with 1980

Objectives-To compare the distribution of body mass index (BMI) in a nation al representative study in The Netherlands in 1996-7 with that from a study in 1980. Methods-Cross sectional data on height, weight, and demographics of 14 500 boys and girls of Dutch origin, aged 0-21 years, were collected from 1996 t o 1997. BMI references were derived using the LIMS method. The 90th, 50th, and 10th BMI centiles of the 1980 study were used as baseline. Association of demographic variables with BMI-SDS was assessed by ANOVA. Results-BMI age reference charts were constructed. From 3 years of age onwa rds 14-22% of the children exceeded the 90th centile of 1980, 52-60% the 50 th centile, and 92-95% the 10th centile. BMI was related to region, educati onal level of parents (negatively) and family size (negatively). The -0.9, +1.1, and +2.3 SD lines in 1996-7 corresponded to the adult cut off points of 20, 25, and 30 kg/m(2) recommended by the World Health Organisation/Euro pean childhood obesity group. Conclusion-BMI age references have increased in the past 17 years. Therefor e, strategies to prevent obesity in childhood should be a priority in child public health.