Stunting is a major risk factor for overweight: results from national surveys in 5 Arab countries

Type Journal Article - Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
Title Stunting is a major risk factor for overweight: results from national surveys in 5 Arab countries
Author(s)
Volume 15
Issue 3
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2009
Page numbers 549-562
URL http://www.emro.who.int/emhj/1503/15_3_2009_0549_0562.pdf
Abstract
ABSTRACT We analysed data on overweight and stunting from large national surveys performed between 2001 and 2004 in 5 Arab countries (Djibouti, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco, Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen). Overweight and stunting were defined according to new WHO growth standards. Overweight ranged from 8.9% in Yemen to 20.2% in Syrian Arab Republic. The risk ratio (RR) for overweight in stunted children ranged from 2.14 in Djibouti to 3.85 in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. RR ranged from 0.76 in mildly stunted children of Yemen to 7.15 in severely stunted children in Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. Etiological fraction in the population ranged from 7.49% to 69.76%