Objectives. This study reports perceptions of overweight and weight loss practices among African American high school students in Mississippi in relation to behaviors which are associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors and disease in adulthood. Data obtained from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) served to provide estimates of the practices of African American students in Mississippi.
Methods. Data derived from the administration of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) were examined. The study included students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in public schools. High school students were assessed for behavior practices, and state estimates were compared.
Results. Twenty-five percent of African American students perceive themselves as being overweight (7.8% for males and 32.5% for females). Thirty-seven percent of African American students are attempting to lose weight (23.4% for males and 49.0% for females). The number of overweight students falls short of the Year 2000 objective that called for a reduction of overweight youths to no more than 15%.
Conclusions. YRBS data provide estimates of behavior practices, as well as surveillance of risk behaviors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Elevated weight is predictive of cardiovascular disease in African Americans and is associated with poor quality of life and disability. Weight control among obese African American youth and prevention of overweight would result in positive health benefits that would enable them to reduce cardiovascular disease. African American female students perceive themselves as being overweight more often than male students.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize trends of overweight among African American high school students in Mississippi. 2. Assess the practices of African American high school students in Mississippi in relation to the Year 2000 objectives. 3. Identify the numbers of African American students whose practices place them at risk for health problems
Keywords: Adolescents, Weight Management
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.