To establish new reference values for measurements of waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in preschool children.
A population-based, cross-sectional study of 4502 children aged 0-5 years derived from child health care in a Swedish county. Measurements of weight, height and waist circumference were recorded using a standardized procedure.
New reference values for waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio for preschool children are presented. Reference charts were constructed and are presented. Waist circumference increased with age (r = 0.80, p