ANTHROPOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN RESIDENTS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF VASSOURAS AND RISK OF OBESITY

Abstract

Anthropometric measurements are essential data in the routine of pediatric consultations, and intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect them. Currently, weight is one of the most frequently altered measurements, due to the increasing number of children with overweight and childhood obesity. The main objective of this research was to demonstrate anthropometric alterations, such as malnutrition, obesity, and overweight, in children living in Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, who are treated at the pediatric outpatient clinic of the Vassouras University Hospital. The main findings showed that more than 90% of the children had an appropriate BMI for their age, 87% had the expected weight, and over 90% had the correct height for their age group. These findings suggest that the children included in the research, for the most part, are within the expected standards for their age. However, those who are overweight run the risk of developing various cardiovascular, endocrine, and/or psychiatric diseases in the future if this condition is not treated now. Changes in height in children are often indicative of chronic disorders, so regular monitoring is essential to address this issue.