Development of weight and height in Norwegian children: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)

Abstract

Aims: High prevalence of overweight and obesity increases the disease burden with higher risk for an expanding set of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, certain types of cancers and an array of musculoskeletal disorders. Over the last decades, trends in children’s weight have changed worldwide. Methods: Anthropometric measurements of height and weight and calculations of body mass index (BMI) were recorded for 2297 children, aged 6–12 years. Results: Percentiles for weight and height are presented, as well as overweight and obesity cut-off points according to International Obesity Task Force guidelines for each age group. Children’s BMI is higher compared to older studies; however, a levelling-off of weight is evident, as 14–15% of the children are overweight in the present study. Children within the 90th and 97.5th percentiles display a higher annual increase in weight/height ratio compared to other percentiles. Parental level of education shows association with children’s BMI. Conclusions: A levelling-off of weight gain among children is evident; however, overweight children tend to gain more weight than normal-weight children.