Alarming prevalences of overweight and obesity for children of Turkish, Moroccan and Dutch origin in The Netherlands according to international standards

Abstract
Aim: Prevalences of overweight in The Netherlands, defined by international cut-off points, are presented in 14 500 children of Dutch origin, 2904 of Turkish and 2855 of Moroccan origin, aged 0–21 y. Results: The mean prevalence for Turkish boys and girls was 23.4% and 30.2%, for Moroccans 15.8% and 24.5%, for Dutch youths in large cities 12.6% and 16.5%, and for other Dutch participants 8.7% and 11.3%, respectively. Conclusion: The development of adequate prevention strategies is urgently needed.