Population-based waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio reference values in preschool children.
OBJECTIVE
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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Roswall
Josefine
J
Department of Paediatrics, County Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden. josefine.roswall@lthalland.se
Bergman
Stefan
S
Almqvist-Tangen
Gerd
G
Alm
Bernt
B
Niklasson
Aimon
A
Nierop
Andreas F M
AF
Dahlgren
Jovanna
J
D017677:Age Distribution; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001837:Body Weights and Measures / Q000592:standards*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D050177:Overweight / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012016:Reference Values; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013548:Sweden; D055105:Waist Circumference