Prevalence of obesity in American Indian and non-American Indian children, ages 5-10

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4049.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 9:45 AM

Abstract #50411

Christina A. Geithner, PhD, Department of Exercise Science, Gonzaga University, 502 E. Boone Avenue, AD Box 4, Spokane, WA 99258, (509) 323-3498, geithardt@aol.com, Cheryl A. Weixel, MS, Wellness Center, Coeur d'Alene Tribal Wellness Center, P.O. Box 700, 1100 A Street, Plummer, ID 83851, Shannon R. Siegel, PhD, School of Sport, PE and Recreation, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff; Cyncoed Campus, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, CF23 6XD, United Kingdom, and Carrie R. Lemieux, MS, F CO, 3/13th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, 1st Platoon Warriors, Fort Jackson, SC 29207.

Obesity prevalence is particularly high in American Indians (AI); however, direct measures of obesity in AI children are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess obesity prevalence in children, ages 5-10, identified as tribal (T) and non-tribal (NT,) members. Anthropometric data were collected on 219 children (121 boys, 98 girls). Obesity and superobesity were operationally defined by the 85th and 95th percentiles for body mass index (BMI), and triceps skinfold (TRI), respectively. Percent body fat (%Fat) was estimated using age, BMI, and sex-specific intercepts (Lohman et al., 1999). ANCOVAs were run to compare BMI and TRI by sex and tribal status while controlling for age. More than 21% of boys and girls are obese, and 32.7% of boys and 27.9% of girls are superobese by BMI. Percentages are somewhat different by TRI. T girls have significantly higher BMI than NT girls (p<.05). In addition to BMI and TRI, %Fat means indicate a high prevalence of obesity (boys=28.0±5.3%, girls=31.5±5.6%), and are greater in T vs. NT. The tendencies toward greater BMI and obesity in children are important in the context of public health, since BMI tends to track well after early childhood, childhood obesity predicts adult obesity, and obese children are at increased risk for diabetes and several chronic diseases. Funding and implementation of community-based physical activity and nutrition education programs, particularly targeted toward American Indian children, are sorely needed to reverse the trend toward increasing body weight and to prevent obesity and its sequelae.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

3. Identify several ways of identifying or defining obesity.
6. Articulate the health status of American Indian (AI) and non-AI children relative to obesity risk.
9. Appreciate the public health implications of epidemic obesity in children.
12. Recognize the need for obesity prevention programs.
15. Communicate challenges to and strategies for decreasing obesity & risk for chronic disease within a multiethnic community.

Keywords: Obesity, Children

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Coeur d'Alene Tribal Wellness Center
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: doing research (as of 2/02) under a Robert Woods Johnson Foundation grant awarded to Coeur d'Alene Tribal Wellness Center

MCH among American Indian and Alaska Native populations

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA