engleski

The Situation and Perspectives of the Body Mass Index Development in Preschool-Aged Children

The aim of the research was to determine the prevalence of the body mass index in preschool- aged children and give a perspective of its further development regarding the children’s age. The sample of examinees consisted of 71 preschool-aged children, more precisely 36 boys (43.6 %) and 40 girls (56.3 %) aged 4 to 7 and attending kindergartens in Croatia. Measurements of their body height, body mass and body mass index (BMI) were done. The results indicate that the body mass index will increase by an average 0.1 standard deviations for each new generation of children. Boys are averagely of a normal body weight with no significant deviations, while from their fifth year of age girls belong to the category of excess body mass. The perspectives of the body mass index increase for each new generation and the average excess body weight of girls from their fifth year of age indicates the possibility of serious health problems. This research has shown that the body mass index needs to be scientifically monitored by a longitudinal research, and respectively, a multi-year tracking of generations to provide a more accurate insight into the condition of children, especially when it comes to body mass index, since then it would be possible to evaluate prevention programs.

children, body mass index, early and preschool age

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