Overweight and obesity in six-year-old children in 4^th and 5^th quintile schools in Mangaung, South Africa

Abstract

Objective: Weight status at age six years has been identified as an important predictor of overweight and obesity in adolescence, which, in turn, tracks into adulthood, increasing the risk of future metabolic diseases. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in six-year-old children in 4^th and 5^th quintile schools in Mangaung as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the problem among parents and educators.