Physical growth of Chinese children from birth to 6 years old in urban and rural areas in 1985.

During 1985 a survey of the physical growth of 175,290 Chinese children less than 7 years in age was undertaken in the urban and rural areas of ten provinces. The results of weight, height, and head circumference are similar to those generally found as regards the differences between boys and girls. The children in rural areas were lighter and shorter. From the age of 3-6 months onwards the weights and heights of all groups were less than international standards. Nutrition is probably the major factor in these differences in growth.