Prevalence of obesity in children (5-6 year-old) in Martinique (French West Indies) in 2003
Assier de Pompignan, F.; Riocreux, C.; Flechelles, S.; Bottius, F.; Casca, S.; Louveau de la Guigneraye, A.
Revue d'Epidemiologie et de Sante Publique 54(3): 279-282
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0398-7620 PMID: 16902388 Document Number: 596820
Occurrence of obesity among nursery school children was studied in the French Department of Martinique in 2003. A total of 5287 children aged 5-6 years from different regions of the country and different socioeconomic backgrounds were surveyed. Average weight and body mass index were 21.6 kg and 15.75, respectively. 13.2% of children were overweight and 5.4% were obese. Obesity levels were higher among girls than boys (6.4 vs. 4.4%) and were also influenced by family structure and socioeconomic status. A markedly higher prevalence of obesity was noted in the North Atlantic region compared with other regions of the country.