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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3072.4: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 8

Abstract #107197

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescent mothers receiving enriched medical and social services

Michelle A. Parker, RN, CPNP1, Stacey Stimets, RD, LD1, Marianne Felice, MD2, and Dianne S. Elfenbein, MD3. (1) Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, 508-856-2455, parkem01@ummhc.org, (2) Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, (3) Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655

Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicate 16% of children ages 6-19 years are overweight, a 45% increase in the last decade. Because of their low-income status, adolescent mothers and their children are at increased risk for being overweight. Medical records of 55 adolescent mothers and their children attending a federally funded, comprehensive, interdisciplinary medical program were audited. Mothers' age ranged from 14 to 19 at time of delivery; mean age was 17 (SD 1.3). Race: Caucasian 48%; Black 10%; Asian 10%; Multi racial 10%. Ethnicity: Hispanic 38%. BMIs of mothers and children were tabulated. Pre-pregnancy BMI from maternal estimates indicated 45% of mothers were overweight and16% obese. At one year postpartum 58% were noted to be overweight, 23% obese. At 2 years postpartum 70% were overweight, 37% obese. Children's BMIs at two years of age (33) indicated 12% were at-risk for overweight and 10% were overweight. At 3 years of age (14) 50% of children were at-risk for overweight and 25% were overweight. These higher than national rates, especially the 25% increase in obesity in the first two years post-partum and half the children at risk for overweight at 3 years of age is compelling evidence that specially tailored programs are needed to intervene effectively with this vulnerable population.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Obesity, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Nutrition, Physical Activity and Chronic Disease

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA