Obesity in Chilean preschool children: anthropometric evolution and socioeconomic determinants

Background: The prevalence of obesity among low-income preschool children has increased in Chile. Aim: To compare the anthropometric evolution of obese and non obese children from birth and to determine the influence of maternal body composition and socioeconomic variables with childhood obesity. Subjects and methods: Using a case control design, 237 obese, 449 normal and 54 overweight 4 year old low income children, attending 8 public outpatient clinics in Santiago, were studied. Anthropometric data since birth to the moment of the study was gathered from the clinical charts at the clinics. Results: Z scores for height/age and weight/height were significantly higher at all ages, excepting height/age in boys at the moment of birth. At the moment of the study, obese and overweight children were four and one cm taller than the normal weight controls. Maternal body mass index (odds ratio 3.07), being a first child, having a working mother, to have a telephone at home and birth weight were the variables significantly associated with obesity, according to an adjusted effects analysis. Conclusions. The strong association of maternal and offspring obesity implies that the prevention of childhood obesity must consider health actions directed towards mothers as well.