BMI and obesity indicators in children and adolescents in California

These analyses were designed to assess the obesity burden and highlight determinants of increased BMI and obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile with respect to age and gender) in children and adolescents living in California. The California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2001 data (n=5705 children, n=4860 adolescents) were analyzed in STATA 9.2. Overall, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 6-11 in California is approximately twice the national rate for both males (37% vs. 18%) and females (30% vs. 15%) when compared to NHANES. Adolescent obesity rates in California are relatively similar when compared to national averages. Factors associated with increased BMI and risk of obesity in children included African American race, Latino ethnicity, soda servings, and hours watching TV. In adolescents, factors associated with increased BMI and risk of obesity included male gender and hours watching TV. There were also significant results found in parental education and family income variables by race. One of the most striking results showed that increased family income (200-299% and ≥ 300% FPL) among Asian children increases mean BMI compared to Asian children with lower income and increased income (≥ 300% FPL) among Asian adolescents increases the risk of obesity when compared to Asian adolescents with lower income. These results may help to refine hypotheses concerning the role of culture in modifying the effects of socioeconomic factors on food and physical activity patterns. Interventions to prevent obesity in children and adolescents should additionally aim for decreasing soda consumption and TV viewing while promoting physical activity.