WHO child growth standards spot on

May 11 2006

New World Health Organisation (WHO) charts for child growth and development can be turned into a powerful tool to address weight issues for children, Australian Medical Association President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said recently.

The new charts, published by WHO last month, should take the place of Australia's current growth charts, he said.

"The WHO standards are based on the growth and development of breastfed babies across six countries worldwide," Dr Haikerwal said.

"The present Australian growth charts are based on the growth of formula-fed babies, which has led many breastfeeding mothers to believe their babies are not growing as quickly as they should.

"This may have led women to believe they are failing their babies by breastfeeding, and contributed to early weaning – which is against the best medical advice."

WHO recommends that infants are exclusively breastfed until six months of age, and that breastfeeding continue alongside solid foods until the child is two years old.

Breastfeeding advocates have suggested that the use of the now out-of-date charts may have contributed to Australia's childhood obesity crisis.

"Australia must do all it can to address growing weight issues amongst children," Dr Haikerwal said.

"Educating the public about good nutrition and healthy weights for different ages are two key ways in which we can halt the increasing obesity rate."