A population-based case-control study was conducted in a dataset of 1,066 children from elementary schools in Fort Worth, Texas. The purpose was to identify and assess factors associated with overweight/obesity (children whose body-mass index was on and above the 85th percentile). Children's ages ranged between 8 and 13 years, and 52% were females. Obese children were compared to non-obese children in regards to selected factors. The crude and adjusted odds ratio was used as a measure of association. Adjusted analysis was performed by using binary logistic regression. Age was not found significantly associated with obesity. Males had 29% more likelihood to be obese than females. Family history of diabetes was found to be 33% more likely in obese children than in non-obese children. Preliminary results adjusted by age, gender and family history of diabetes are presented: Acanthosis nigricans, as expected, was strongly associated with obesity (OR=19.7, p<0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were associated with obesity OR=4.88(95%CI 3.6, 6.7) and OR=2.44(95%CI 1.8, 3.3), respectively. Watching TV more than 2 hours increased two times the likelihood to be obese (OR=2.02 p<0.001). More active children at home were less likely to be obese. To be Hispanic, eating snacks, chips and sweets every day, surprisingly, were not found significantly associated with obesity. Major factors for obesity are being identified in the present study. Modification and elimination of the factors found in this study, may contribute to reduce obesity thus improving its prognosis, and complications such as hypertension and diabetes.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation the participant will be able to: 1. Identify child obesity as a public health problem. 2. Describe major complications of obesity. 3. Describe the basic epidemiology of obesity. 4. Identify obesity as a risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in children. 5. Identify preventive measures for obesity
Keywords: Diabetes, Obesity
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.