Child overweight and obesity in the USA: prevalence rates according to IOTF definitions.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the prevalence of child overweight and obesity in the USA using IOTF-recommended definitions.


METHODS
Original data from the NHANES surveys for 1999-2000 and 2003-2004 were analysed using the IOTF cut-offs and prevalence levels calculated using sample weightings provided.


RESULTS
In 1999-2000, overweight (including obesity) was affecting 29% of school-age children. By 2003-2004 this figure had risen above 35%. Obesity alone was affecting 10% of school children in the 1999-2000, and over 13% in 2003-2004.


CONCLUSIONS
The United States is experiencing levels of child overweight and obesity that are among the highest recorded in any country in the world.
Lobstein
Tim
T
International Obesity TaskForce, International Association for the Study of Obesity, London, UK.
Jackson-Leach
Rachel
R
D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D050177:Overweight; D015995:Prevalence; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology