Use of a holiday toy drive to screen for pediatric obesity

Childhood obesity disproportionately affects ethnic minorities from disadvantaged communities. Early identification and treatment of at-risk patients may help to reduce the progression to costly comorbid conditions. To identify the magnitude of the pediatric obesity epidemic in the greater Compton community, we collected data from youth and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 20 years, attending the annual holiday toy drive and health fair, sponsored by a community-based pediatric practice. Weights and heights were recorded with shoes and outer clothing removed. Date of birth, self-identified race/ethnicity, insurance status, and zip code of residence were also collected. Uninsured participants were invited to enroll in a health care plan and to receive medical care in our practice. Healthy nutrition information and fun physical activities were provided throughout the afternoon. Upon completing the measurements, participants were rewarded with a ticket to exchange for a toy and an instant photo with Santa. Results: 462 youth were measured. The mean age was 5.7 years (±3.1). Eighty-eight percent of the youth were Latino, 12% were African-American, and 54% were female; 249 (54%) of the youth were at risk or overweight with a BMI z-score ≥ 85th percentile; 137 (30%) of the youth were overweight with a BMI z-score ≥ 97th percentile. There was no significant correlation between overweight status and age, gender, or geographic residence. Community-based pediatric practices can enhance the screening of at-risk populations through the use of health-promoting prizes and incentives. Further research is warranted to determine the long-term benefits of these screening activities.