AIM: To establish new reference values for measurements of waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in preschool children.

METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional study of 4502 children aged 0-5 years derived from child health care in a Swedish county. Measurements of weight, height and waist circumference were recorded using a standardized procedure.

RESULTS: New reference values for waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio for preschool children are presented. Reference charts were constructed and are presented. Waist circumference increased with age (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). After adjustment to the individual height, expressed as waist-to-height ratio, there was an inverse correlation to age during the first 5 years of age (r = -0.87, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The new reference values for waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio for Swedish preschool children enable future identification of new risk populations for childhood obesity. For clinicians, new reference charts for these two variables are provided for practical use.