The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the prevalence and time trends of overweight/obesity in Slovak children by applying WHO, IOTF, and the national criteria; (2) to compare the prevalence between selected European countries; and (3) to evaluate the central obesity by the waist-to-height ratio. The survey was performed within the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative. The weight, height, waist, and hip were measured in 2795 children at the age of 7-7.99 years (50.1% boys; 55.5% in rural areas). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was determined using the LMS Growth. In boys, the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 17.1/14.9% according to WHO, 13.8/8.8% according to IOTF, and 9.9/8.8% according to the national criteria. Among girls, the prevalence reached 15.1/11.1%, 12.6/8.1%, and 7.5/9.5%, respectively. These rates corresponded to the average of the European countries. Central obesity was identified in 76.9% of overweight/obese, but also in 5.9% normal-weight subjects.
Conclusion: While overweight has increased by 3% the prevalence of obesity has doubled since 2001. The rise culminated approximately 6 years ago and has not increased since then. The body constitution differences should be considered when comparing the prevalence of overweight/obesity between populations and/or individuals. What is Known: • Knowledge of the prevalence of overweight/obesity is seminal for effective implementation of programs focusing on the reduction of incidence and prevalence of obesity in early childhood. What is New: • The most numerous and representative study on the prevalence of overweight/obesity in 7-year-old children involving 2795 (5%) of peers living in Slovakia. • The prevalence of obesity in Slovakia falls within the range of average rate of the European countries. Central obesity was identified in almost 20% subjects.
Keywords: Children; Overweight/obesity; Prevalence and trends in European countries.