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Population‐based waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio reference values in preschool children
Author(s) -
Roswall Josefine,
Bergman Stefan,
AlmqvistTangen Gerd,
Alm Bernt,
Niklasson Aimon,
Nierop Andreas FM,
Dahlgren Jovanna
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01430.x
Subject(s) - waist , circumference , medicine , waist to height ratio , population , reference values , demography , childhood obesity , obesity , pediatrics , overweight , environmental health , mathematics , geometry , sociology
Aim: To establish new reference values for measurements of waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio in preschool children. Methods: A population‐based, cross‐sectional study of 4502 children aged 0–5 years derived from child health care in a Swedish county. Measurements of weight, height and waist circumference were recorded using a standardized procedure. Results: New reference values for waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio for preschool children are presented. Reference charts were constructed and are presented. Waist circumference increased with age (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). After adjustment to the individual height, expressed as waist‐to‐height ratio, there was an inverse correlation to age during the first 5 years of age (r = −0.87, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The new reference values for waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio for Swedish preschool children enable future identification of new risk populations for childhood obesity. For clinicians, new reference charts for these two variables are provided for practical use.