WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. COSI Portugal.

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies showed that the estimated prevalence of Portuguese childhood overweight was over 30% being one out of five countries with higher prevalence in Europe. Methods: Specific prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined, using 3 different diagnostic criteria from the first data collection (2008) of the National Nutritional Surveillance System - COSI Portugal - among the seven geographic regions. 3765 children (6-8 years old) were enrolled from 181 schools (national representative sample) with 50.3% of boys. Results: Prevalence of underweight, overweight (including obesity) and obesity was found according to IOTF (2000): 4.8%; 28.1%, 8.9%; using CDC (2000): 2.1%; 32.2%, 14.6% and according to WHO (2007): 1.0%; 37.9%; 15.3%, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed an higher risk of obesity in younger children, in boys and in Azores Region. The islands Azores and Madeira were the regions with higher prevalence of overweight: 46.6%; 39.4%, respectively and Algarve (south) was the one with the lowest (21.4%) Conclusion: These results reinforce that Portugal continues to be one of the countries with the highest magnitude of childhood obesity showing higher levels of prevalence of obesity among the islands. These findings will provide policy makers a comprehensive and detailed information to act urgently on prevention of Portuguese childhood obesity.