INTRODUCTION:
epidemiological data indicate that childhood obesity is increasing in Brazil and is identified as a risk factor for early development of chronic diseases. Obesity has been characterized by increased adipose tissue and body weight.
OBJECTIVE:
to diagnose and compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren from public EPU and private EPR schools.
METHODS:
anthropometrics variables BMI and DOC [skin folds] were evaluated in boys n=91 and girls n=109 between 8 and 10 years old. There was a higher prevalence of overweight in boys 19.6% and girls 25.5% of the EPR compared to boys 6.7% and girls 8.1% of the EPU. The obesity level was higher in boys 34.8% and girls 31.9% of the EPR compared to boys 6.7% and girls 6.5% of the EPU. Positive correlation was obtained between the variables BMI and % body fat in boys r=0.82 and girls r=0.85.
RESULTS:
the results suggest that despite the increase in all social classes, overweight and obesity prevalence were more present in those with higher economic status, confirming therefore a socioeconomic relationship. This finding may lead to a health condition closest to the negative pole.
CONCLUSION:
the BMI analysis proved to be an index for efficient determination of overweight and obesity in children.
obesity; economic indicators; body mass index
