Angela Odoms-Young, PhD¹, Youfa Wang, MD, MS, PhD², and Lisa Tussing, MS, RD². (1) Public and Community Health Program, Northern Illinois University School of Allied Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Dekalb, IL 60115, 815-753-6324, r90amo1@wpo.cso.niu.edu, (2) Department of Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 W. Taylor Street, M/C 517, Chicago, IL 60612

Low-income African-American children are disproportionately at risk for obesity and overweight as compared to other ethnic/income groups. Effective intervention strategies to address the needs of this population have been limited. Focus groups (n=9) examining risk factors for childhood obesity and overweight were conducted as part of the formative phase of HEALTH-KIDS ("Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles from school To Home for KIDS"), a randomized intervention trial supported by the NIH to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a school- and community-based obesity prevention program in urban low-income African American students. Focus groups participants (n=55) represented various members of the community including students, parents, and school food service staff from two Chicago Public Schools. Data analysis revealed several factors that can interfere with weight management efforts in low-income African-American students. Barriers included children's preference for high-fat and high-sugar meals and snacks, availability of healthy food choices such as low-fat food and appealing fresh vegetables and fruits in school cafeterias and neighborhood stores, lack of organized physical activities for girls after and outside of school, and access to television and video games. Other factors include students' pocket money, snacking patterns, perceptions of body image and exposure to food advertisements. Participants suggested a number of ways to promote healthy eating and exercise among the target population. Understanding psychosocial and environmental barriers to maintaining a healthy weight in this population is essential to develop effectiveintervention strategies and programs to address the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant (learner) will be able to

• Describe psychosocial barriers to obesity prevention in low-income, urban African-American children.
• Describe enviornmental barriers to obesity prevention in low-income, urban African-American children.
• Discuss strategies to develop effective intervention programs to address obesity in low-income, urban African-American children.

Keywords: Obesity, Children

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.