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Racial divergence in adiposity during adolescence: The NHLBI Growth and Health Study
S Y Kimm1, B A Barton, E Obarzanek
1Department of Family Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA. kimm@pitt.edu
Pediatrics
|March 7, 2001
Summary
Obesity prevalence is higher in Black girls, with significant racial disparities emerging during adolescence. This study tracked adiposity in Black and white girls to understand these differences and their links to puberty and lifestyle factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric obesity research
- Adolescent health disparities
- Racial differences in adiposity
Background:
- Black women face higher obesity rates (>50%), contributing to increased cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Obesity prevalence has tripled in young Black girls (6-11) and increased significantly in adolescents (12-17), widening racial disparities.
- Racial differences in adiposity are thought to emerge during adolescence, but specific timing and factors remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the development of obesity in Black and white girls during adolescence.
- Examine the evolution of racial divergence in adiposity.
- Analyze relationships between adiposity, pubertal maturation, energy intake, and physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal multicenter study (NHLBI Growth and Health Study [NGHS]) of 2379 Black and white girls aged 9-10.
- Annual assessments from age 9-10 to 18-19, with an 89% follow-up rate.
- Measured sum of skinfolds (SSF) and Body Mass Index (BMI); assessed pubertal maturation and menarche; collected data on energy intake and physical activity.
Main Results:
- Racial differences in SSF and BMI were evident by age 10 and widened through adolescence.
- Black girls showed more advanced pubertal maturation than white girls at all ages.
- While 15th percentile SSF remained similar, median and higher percentiles (85th, 95th) for SSF and BMI were significantly greater in Black girls, increasing with age.
Conclusions:
- Significant racial disparities in adiposity emerge during adolescence in girls.
- Advanced pubertal maturation in Black girls may contribute to earlier divergence in adiposity.
- Longitudinal data are crucial for understanding the complex factors driving racial differences in adolescent obesity.
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