Abstract
Introduction: One of the great challenges for public health in the XXI century is obesity. It is estimated that obesity and overweight cause the fifth greatest risk of death in the world. Objective: This study aims at comparing the prevalence of obesity and overweight in school students in the city of Caxias do Sul, between two cross-sectional studies carried out in 2007 and 2011 with students from 11 to 12 years old. Methodology: Anthropometrical indicators of Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and the triceps and calf sum of skinfolds were used. For the statistical analysis, the Pearson Qui-squared test and Student’s t-test were performed. Results: In the studies of 2007 and 2011, 461 and 1014 school students were assessed respectively. The averages for waist circumference and for the skinfolds sum increased in that period, while the average BMI decreased. The nutritional status assessed by the BMI presented a decrease in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, while the prevalence of abdominal obesity and body fat in boys and girls did not present a significant statistical difference in relation to the final result assessed by the BMI and by the waist circumference. There was also a percentage increase in boys and girls with fat above what is considered desirable in the period. Conclusion: Although there was a decrease in overweight during the period in which the BMI was assessed, the students from Caxias do Sul presented an increase in the prevalence of abdominal obesity and body fat above what is considered desirable.
