Obesity and Metabolic Risks in Children

Background We undertook this study to establish the prevalence of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and high glucose and triglyceride levels in school-age children from Mexico City, as well as to determine how overweight and obesity are related to the other risk factors. Methods The study was a cross-sectional survey comprised of 1819 children (6–13 years of age) attending six elementary schools. Gender, age, weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and levels of triglycerides and glucose were registered. Percentiles were calculated according to American standards for BMI, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Results Compared to American references, mean percentiles for waist circumference and BMI were >50, and mean height percentiles were 1.0, p r >0.2, p Conclusions This population of Mexican school-age children was shorter and heavier than their American standards. The prevalence of metabolic risks was similar to those reported in American adolescents in NHANES surveys.