Using routine growth data to determine overweight and obesity prevalence estimates in preschool children in the Capital Health region of Alberta

Background Overweight and obesity prevalence is increasing in Canadian children. In the Capital Health region of Alberta, there is a need to examine this public health issue and implement strategies to overcome it. Two growth references, one provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the other by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), are available to assess individuals and screen populations for overweight and obesity. The prevalence can vary as a function of the reference used. The primary objective of this study is to determine prevalence estimates of overweight and obesity in 4–6 year olds in the Capital Health region. The secondary objective is to explore differences in estimates using both classification systems.