Prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren in rural areas

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren in rural areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 1,513 schoolchildren aged 6, 11 and 14 years. Data were collected on height and weight with digital scales equipped with a measuring rod. We used three criteria to define overweight and obesity: Cole's points, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria and Hernandez's tables. Results: When Cole's points were used, 24.6% (95%CI: 22.5-26.8) were overweight and 11.6% (95%CI: 10-13.3) were obese; these percentages were higher in children aged 11 and 6 years, respectively. According CDC growth charts, 19.8% of children (95%CI: 17.9-21.9) were overweight and 16.5% (95%CI: 14.7-18.4) were obese, corresponding to higher percentages at 14 and 6 years. When Hernandez's tables were used, 11.5% (95%CI: 10-13.2) were overweight and 18.6% (95%CI: 16.7-20.6) were obese, and both disorders were higher in children aged 11 years. The risk of obesity and overweight was higher in small rural areas (<5,000 people), with OR = 1.49 (95%CI: 1.13-1.95) and OR = 1.33 (95%CI: 1.06-1.67), respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren in rural areas is very high and is even higher in towns with less than 5,000 inhabitants. (C) 2011 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.