Changes in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in Algerian children between 2001 and 2006.

Annual cross-sectional studies were performed between 2001 and 2006 in Algeria in order to evaluate the nutritional status and determine the changes in prevalence of categories of nutritional status, according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria for overweight and obesity and Cole's criteria for thinness. A total of 19 263 children aged 6 to 10 years originating from three economically different areas were enrolled in the study. The overall prevalence of thinness decreased from 34.3% (95% CI: 32.4-36.2) to 24.5% (95% CI: 22.6-26.4) (p<0.0001). Overweight, including obesity, increased from 6.8% (95% CI: 5.7-7.8) to 9.5% (95% CI: 8.2-10.8) (p=0.001) mainly due to overweight excluding obesity. Children in urban areas showed the most marked decrease in thinness and increase in overweight as opposed to those from rural areas where overweight and obesity remained stable over time.