ABSTRACT
Shorter than average adults are suggested to be at a higher risk for obesity, stunted growth is short stature due to chronic malnutrition and if identified, leads to obesity. Current study tests the hypothesis that stunted children, grown up as short adults have increased risk of obesity. Data from adult participants in a 2002 national survey for assessment of obesity among the Egyptian population and the national survey for assessment of Bone Mineral Density [BMD] among Egyptian adolescents [2003] were computed by gender specific height categories separately for men and women and Body Mass Index [BMI]. In the first study, the overall prevalence of obesity was [22.8%] among stunted males, [17.6%] among none stunted males, [53.2%] among stunted females and [46.9%] among normal height females. In the second study, the overall prevalence of obesity was [31.7%] among stunted males, [27.9%] among none stunted males, [68.6%] among stunted females and [62.7%] among normal height females. The prevalence of class II and class III obesity was higher among the short stature males and females. Both short males and females had a significantly higher mean of BMI. Waist circumference was significantly greater in normal stature males. There was an inverse correlation between stature and BMT. Data supports the hypothesis that stature is inversely related to the risk of obesity
ABSTRACT
This study has been conducted to provide realistic information about the nutritional status of primary school children in Egypt. A sample of 3000 school children was selected from Cairo, Sharkia [representing Lower Egypt] and Qena [representing Upper Egypt]. Anthropometric measurements were done to assess the nutritional status. The results showed that 6.6% of the total sample were underweight, overweight was detected among 4.1%. Stunting represented 14.5% of the sample. Dietary history using 24-hour recall method was applied to calculate their nutrient intake. The results showed that mineral intake was greatly affected. The percent of mean intake as% of standard was 56.9% for vitamin A and 51.4 for iron. As regard other nutrient consumption, this percentage was 63.2% for zinc, 37.4% for selenium and 36.6% for iodine among school children. Only vitamin C was consumed in appropriate amounts. Therefore, it was recommended to develop an intervention program in the form of nutrition education and a proper school feeding program for supplementation to reduce this micronutrient deficiency among school children. This will improve the growth, work performance, learning ability and intellectual development for this important group