PERCENTILE DISTRIBUTION OF BMI AT 9 YEAR

The research was made in September 2011, on a sample of 28 forth grade children (16 female and 12 male) both gender, at the age from 8 years and 6 months (8.06) to 9 years and 9 months (9.09). The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of obesity, by using the percentile distribution of BMI. For that purpose, NCHS referent values of the American Pediatric Association and Center for disease control and prevention, were used. From the obtained results we can conclude that only 13 children or 46% have normal nutritional status, 5 children or 18% are underweight, and 10 pupils (6 male and 4 female) or 36% are obese. In our opinion, this percent is too high, especially because the children are young (8 to 9 years old). We should start fighting obesity even in childhood, and try to make healthy habits like: more sport and physical activity and less TV, more salads. fruit and vegetables and less nibbles and unhealthy food. Thus, we cannot only prevent obesity, but also all illnesses that are connected thereto.