Tendencias (1997-2015) de malnutrición según sexo en escolares de 10 a 14 años en Jujuy, Argentina

The present study analyzes the evolution of prevalence rates of different types of malnutrition, differentiated by sex, in schoolchildren aged 10 to 14 years in San Salvador de Jujuy during the period 1997–2015. This is an epidemiological, observational, and analytical study, based on secondary data from the National School Health Program. Nutritional status was evaluated using body mass index for age and height for age. Annual prevalences of thinness, overweight, obesity, stunting, and stunting with excess weight were calculated, and trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression models. In general, the proportions of thinness and stunting with excess weight were higher in females, while overnutrition was more prevalent in males. No significant temporal variations were found in the prevalences of thinness and stunting with excess weight. Stunting showed a decreasing trend, more marked in males. Overweight and obesity showed upward trends, with overweight being similar between sexes and obesity more pronounced in males. It is concluded that the increase in excess weight in Jujuy schoolchildren transitioning to adolescence is significant and reflects the global trend. The differences observed between sexes could be attributed to multiple biological and sociocontextual factors, which require further study to be fully understood.