Body mass index and head circumference growth charts for the United Arab Emirates-the UAEMCGS 2 study

This study was undertaken to establish the UAE population's normal BMI and HC growth charts. BMI growth charts represent BMI values at each age and gender-specific percentiles. The UAE's development is unique in its cultural practices and genetic makeup; therefore, extrapolating health determinants from other nations to the UAE is unwise. It is, therefore, essential to have reference growth parameters for the UAE population. In this cross-sectional study, we measured BMI and Head Circumference in 20,998 infants and children, of both sexes, 0-18 years of age from all seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), enabling us to construct the BMI and HC charts for the UAE. Using the LMS system BMI and HC charts were created. The prevalence of obesity ranged from 0 to 5.9% in males and from 0.8 to 6.6% in females at different ages. The mean BMI values for each age in both sexes were statistically significantly larger than those obtained in UAE children 30 years ago. Our study provides BMI and head circumference charts tailored to the growth patterns of UAE children.