Defining obesity in childhood: current practice.

[en] A survey of information from 26 countries was performed to examine the methods, cutoff points, and reference materials used to define obesity in childhood and adolescence. The body mass index (in kg/m2) was used frequently, as well as several other methods. Reference materials used were often based on national surveys, although reference data from other countries were sometimes used. The data presented was often insufficient to judge the representativeness of the reference material. Cutoff points varied considerably. Available data allow neither a meaningful international estimation of the prevalence of obesity nor international comparisons. Although associated with considerable problems, this situation can be improved with an international consensus which, by necessity, will be riddled with uncertainties and compromises.

Disciplines :

General & internal medicine

Author, co-author :

Guillaume, Michèle ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la santé publique > Informatique médicale et biostatistique

Language :

English

Title :

Defining obesity in childhood: current practice.

Publication date :

1999

Journal title :

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

ISSN :

0002-9165

eISSN :

1938-3207

Publisher :

Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom

Volume :

Issue :

Pages :

126S-30S

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBi :

since 21 February 2011

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Scopus citations^®

108

Scopus citations^®
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108

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