Estado nutricional y composición corporal en escolares de La Serena, Chile

Abstract

Objective: To determine nutritional status and body composition of schoolchildren from a school in La Serena city. Material and Methods: a Cross-sectional study in 497 School children between 6 and 15 years. BMI and body composition indicators we calculated. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 19.7%, higher in men (24.4%; p = 0.010) and the overweight prevalence was 24.3%, higher in women (26.7%; p = 0.264). Excess fat component was 37.6%, more prevalent in the 1st cycle (50.0%; p <0.001). Deficit of muscular mass was 31.8%, higher in women (36.2%; p = 0.048) and in the 2nd cycle (36.9%; p = 0.002). Regarding the cardiovascular risk, measured by waist circumference, it was 17.7%, being slightly higher in men (18.5%; p = 0.794). Conclusion: There is high prevalence in the variables studied in these school. Following nutritional status and interventions is essential to prevent early onset of non communicable diseases.