Right weight, right size? The medical care of children goes through the growth curve. It makes it possible to analyze the good evolution in weight and size of the little ones. In France, physicians are still based on 1979 curves, while a large number of countries have adopted those for 2006 implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO). To improve the medical monitoring of children, the Directorate General of Health is considering changing the reference curves. To assess the value of this measure, Inserm researchers conducted a study.
Scientists have analyzed more than 82,000 measurements of the weight and height of more than 27,000 children born in France between 1981 and 2007 and aged 0 to 18 years. The results of their study revealed that the body size of the children was much closer to the WHO curves than to the French curves, the values of which are often below. These conclusions should push France to change its benchmarks. But, the researchers reiterate that this decision should not be taken lightly.
Indeed, scientists have noticed that the growth of French children between birth and 6 months is lower compared to that of the WHO curves.
“By adopting the latter, parents should not be unnecessarily worried about unfounded growth retardation during the first months of their child’s life,” recalls Pauline Scherdel, doctoral student in epidemiology and author of the study. “Doctors are aware that children are taller today than they were 50 years ago and know how to interpret points that deviate from the average. But what will be their analysis and their behavior in relation to new curves? »Asks the researcher.
Weight estimate
Inserm researchers are also wondering what reference measurement physicians should use to estimate the overweight children. “Three definitions can currently be used in our country: that of the WHO, France and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), which lead to very variable rates of overweight or obese children depending on the class of ‘age’ recalls Pauline Scherdel. “Here again, a choice will have to be made,” concludes the researcher.
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