Abstract

Author(s): Carrillo López, Pedro José; Rosa Guillamón, Andrés; García Cantó, Eliseo; Pérez Soto, Juan José

Introduction: The weight status of schoolchildren has reached alarming worldwide figures.

Objective: the objective was to analyze the nutritional status according to sex and age using national and international criteria.

Methods: The participants were 634 students (280 boys and 354 girls). The study used the WHO growth charts, the IOTF and the FO.

Results: The statistical analysis shows a very poor or weak force of agreement between the criteria used (K <0.20). Following the WHO criteria there is a higher percentage of schoolchildren in obesity (p <0.029) and, according to the IOTF in overweight (p <0.041). According to sex, according to the FO there is a higher percentage of women in normal weight compared to men (p <0.003). Considering age, according to the IOTF in schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years there is a higher percentage in normal weight (p <0.002) while in schoolchildren aged 13 to 15 years in overweight (p <0.035). According to the WHO, in the age of 6 to 12 years there is a higher percentage in malnutrition (p <0.001) and normal weight (p <0.001), while from 16 to 17 years in overweight (p <0.001) and obesity (p <0.001). In turn, a higher percentage of women (p <0.046) and schoolchildren aged 16 to 17 years (p <0.001) in weight overload is obtained.

Conclusions: the choice of criteria to express the nutritional status can condition the conclusions on it. This aspect has important repercussions on clinical management strategies and public and educational health interventions.