The Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight in Children Aged 6 in Iran

Obesity is one of the most prominent problems imminent among all societies particularly in developing countries. WHO reported in the latest report that obesity was among the 5 causes of death in the world. In 2010, about 43 million under 5 years children were found to be overweight. At present about 35 million kids suffering from obesity live in developing countries and about 7 million overweight kids live in developed countries. Studies in Iran show that the prevalence of obesity is between 7 - 16 percent. According to this study, from 514,963 examined children (261,633 male and 253,330 female), 2.6 percent of children had severe obesity, 60 percent and 40 percent in males and females respectively. This study showed that 3.6 percent were obese, 57.5 and 42.5 in males and females respectively. Also overweight was 8.4 percent, 49.3 and 50.7 percent in males and females respectively. Overweight was found to be more common among female participants with 50.7 percent as opposed to 49.3 percent for males. However, obesity and severe obesity were found to be more common among males. Life style change is the best way to prevent obesity and also is the best way to control and treat it by increased activity and low food consumption. Because of the importance of nutrition in childhood growth and development and also the effect of childhood malnutrition on adult health, special notice to this issue is necessary.