Persistence of overweight among young children living in low income communities in Ontario.

OBJECTIVE: The rise in the prevalence of overweight in pediatric populations is a major health concern. Little is known however, about the prevalence of overweight in younger children. Our objectives were to determine the annual prevalence of overweight in children from junior kindergarten (JK) to grade 3; to assess the persistence of overweight over this time period; and, to identify factors associated with overweight in this group.

METHODS: Annual interviews were completed with parents (primarily the mother) living in economically disadvantaged communities in Ontario who are participating in the Better Beginnings, Better Futures project. Weight and height were measured annually for the children (n=760) beginning in JK. Risk of overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) >or= 85th to < 95th percentile; overweight was BMI >or= 95th percentile. Parents' height and weight were self-reported; BMI >or= 25 was considered overweight.

RESULTS: The risk of overweight among children ranged from 14.1% to 17.5%; the prevalence of overweight increased from 9.9% to 15.2%; 68.2% (15/22) of the children who were overweight in JK were >95th percentile in grade 3. BMI >or= 85th to < 95th percentile or >or= 95th percentile in JK were strongly predictive of overweight in grade 3. Almost 50% of the mothers were overweight.

CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of overweight was found in young children; and, for a large proportion, their early weight status persisted. Strategies promoting healthy eating and physical activity for both children and parents are essential.