There are a number of possible limitations to the cur- rent study. Owing its cross-sectional nature, the temporal nature of the observed relationships cannot be deter- mined. Furthermore, parental body weight and height were self-reported and there are no data to show whether self-reported weight and height are reliable in Iran.
Also, no direct data on economic status, such as income, was collected. In conclusion, the present data showed that overweight and obesity is prevalent among elementary-school chil- dren, especially in girls and in upper social class, in Rasht, Iran.
The authors wish to thank the students and their parents for their participation in the study, and to extend their appreciation to the school personnel for their cooperation in collecting the data. References 1. Am J Clin Nutr 72, β Popkin BM The nutrition transition and obesity in the developing world. J Nutr , SβS. Dietz WH Critical periods in childhood for devel- opment of obesity.
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