Weight status trajectories and trends in height and BMI of schoolchildren: a cohort study

< 0·001). Analysing weight status trajectories, three groups were identified: consistently normal weight (males 63·7 %, females 64·5 %), increasingly overweight (males 21·8 %, females 20·7 %) and increasingly obese (males 14·5 %, females 14·8 %). We conclude that in adolescence, height was below expected, indicating that children are not reaching their maximum growth potential. Furthermore, the identification of increasing trajectories of overweight and obesity, starting in childhood, emphasises the progressive nature of excessive weight gain before adulthood. These findings highlight the early onset of nutritional deviations in this population, suggesting the need for interventions to promote healthy weight as children transition into adolescence to mitigate future health risks.