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Weight Problems for Black and White ChildrenSaha C, Eckert GJ, Pratt JH, et al.: Onset of overweight during childhood and adolescence in relation to race and sex. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90:2648-2652, 2005. What is the problem and what is known about it so far?Overweight and obesity among children and teenagers is becoming a major problem. But little is known about when a weight problem begins and how it progresses. Why did the researchers do this particular study?Researchers wanted to study obesity in children to see if there are trends by sex or race. Who was studied?The study included 924 children, between 5 and 18 years of age, who attended two schools in Indianapolis, Ind. How was the study done?Each student's height and weight were measured to calculate their body mass index (BMI, a measure of weight in relation to height). What did the researchers find?Black children were more likely to be overweight or obese than white children. By age seven, 25% of black children are overweight, compared to 11% of white children. What were the limitations of the study?Because the study was voluntary, researchers couldn't tell whether children who didn't volunteer might be different in some way. Also, researchers did not determine what stage of puberty the children were in. This may vary among different racial groups and may affect weight tendencies. What are the implications of the study?Black children are more likely to be overweight than white children, and their weight problems tend to develop at an earlier age. Programs that address childhood weight problems should consider these differences. |
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