Results of body mass index measurements in children between 2 and 8 years of age in the Republic of Croatia

The study included data on 144,842 measurements of height and weight in children aged 24-95 months from the primary health care program database. The z values of body mass index were calculated and the results were extrapolated according to standard deviations for age groups of 24-35, 36-47, 48-60, 61-71, 72-83 and 84-95 months. In the 2-5-year age group, the rate of extreme thinness (-3 SD) was 0.4% and of moderate thinness (-2 SD) 2.9% of measurements. The rate of overweight (+2 SD) was 6.6% of measurements, with a significantly increased incidence in the 48-60-month age group (6.9%) and more common in boys. Obesity (+3 SD) was present in 1.9% of measurements in children aged 2-5 years and was significantly more common at the age of 48-60 months (2.3%) and more common in boys within the 48-60-month age group. In the 5-8-year age group, the following rates were recorded: extreme thinness 0.5%, thinness 3.4%, overweight 22.7% and obesity 8.8%. The highest prevalence of all nutrition categories observed was recorded in the oldest age group of 84-95 months. There was no gender difference in the prevalence of extreme malnutrition, while in all other categories a higher prevalence was found in boys than in girls. The high prevalence of overweight (35.1%) in boys aged 84-95 months should be noted. The incidence of overweight and obesity was higher in the coastal area, slightly lower in inland Croatia, and lowest in the City of Zagreb. Key words: BODY MASS INDEX; CHILD, PRESCHOOL; CHILD; CROATIA

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