Underweight, overweight and obesity among a Piedmont (northern Italy) children sample.

The aim of the present study is to assess the incidence of under/overweight and obesity in a sample of children 6-11 years old in Turin province and to monitor the secular trend in weight. Our survey shows that about 2% of children are underweight, 17% overweight and 3% obese. Males show a prevalence of overweight and obesity, while females show a higher prevalence of underweight. The comparison of current data with those collected in 1979 by Ente Italiano Moda (E.I.M.) shows a significant increase of weight problems in both sexes: this, in childhood, is an emergent social problem that can produce adverse health effects in adulthood. It could be prevented encouraging correct eating behaviors and active lifestyle among children.