[Evolution of the nutritional status of six years old Chilean children (1987-2003)].
BACKGROUND
As a consequence of the epidemiological transition in Chile, the nutritional status of the population has changed notoriously.


OBJECTIVE
To study the changes in the nutritional status of six years-old Chilean children from 1987 to 2003.


METHODS
The computer data base of a government institution in charge of the School Lunch Program (JUNAEB) was used. It contains data on weight, height, sex and date of birth of six years old children, in the years 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.


RESULTS
The data of approximately 80,000 children was analyzed. Both weight and height increased over the study years. There was a significant reduction in the number of children with weight deficit but also an increase in the proportion of children with obesity. Stunting was also reduced. The proportion of children with HAZ over 2 SD increased from 0.76 in 1987 to 2.2% in 2003. The prevalence of obesity has not increased since the year 2000.


CONCLUSIONS
The stabilization in the prevalence of obesity is a positive finding, considering its adverse consequences for health.
Kain
Juliana
J
Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile. jkain@inta.cl
Uauy
Ricardo
R
Lera
Lydia
L
Taibo
Marcela
M
Espejo
Francisco
F
Albala
Cecilia
C
D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status / Q000502:physiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013851:Thinness / Q000453:epidemiology