Impact of WHO 2006 Child Growth Standard on UK Children
Author Information
Author(s): Wright C, Lakshman R, Emmett P, Ong K K
Primary Institution: University of Glasgow
Hypothesis
What are the implications of adopting the WHO 2006 Child Growth Standard for weight and growth monitoring of UK children?
Conclusion
Adopting the WHO 2006 Growth Charts would lower the classification of underweight UK infants but may increase the classification of obesity in preschool years.
Supporting Evidence
- UK children had higher birth weights compared to the WHO standard.
- By 12 months, the risk of being classified as underweight was significantly lower using the WHO standard.
- Adoption of the WHO standard would lead to fewer infants classified as underweight.
- More children would be classified as obese at age 4-5 years under the WHO standard.
Takeaway
The WHO growth charts might make it seem like fewer UK babies are underweight, but more might be seen as overweight as they grow up.
Methodology
Growth data from two UK birth cohorts were analyzed and converted into z-scores relative to the WHO 2006 standard.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in classification of underweight and obesity due to differences in growth standards.
Limitations
The WHO standard may not accurately represent size at birth for UK infants.
Participant Demographics
Full-term infants from two UK birth cohorts: ALSPAC and GMS.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.15
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.07 to 0.32
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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