Dietary and physical activity characteristics of San Francisco Chinese adolescents

In the last two decades, the prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity among Asian-Americans in California has tripled. Yet, there is little existing quantitative data available about the dietary and activity habits of this particular age and ethnic group. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at five San Francisco community-based organizations to investigate the dietary and physical activity levels of Chinese-American adolescents (n=81). The effects of socioeconomic status, acculturation level, and parental influence on total fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity were examined. Adolescents completed a detailed survey that captured demographics, dietary intake and meal patterns, frequencies of various physical activities, and other external influences. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used to test associations and compare means between groups. RESULTS: 42% of Chinese-American adolescents surveyed reported consuming at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in the previous day. 66% of Chinese-American adolescents reported engaging in vigorous physical activity at least 3 days of the week. DISCUSSION: These statistics show a troubling percentage of Chinese-American adolescents that are not meeting the national guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity. In addition, the results suggest that socioeconomic status, namely eligibility for free or reduced school lunch, had significant associations with a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables. Having only one parent employed and having regular outside encouragement to eat fruits and vegetables were both significantly associated with an increase in overall days of vigorous physical activity.