Correlates and predictors of adiposity among Mohawk children

High rates of Type 2 diabetes in Native populations underlie the need for research on risk factors, including physical activity (PA) and obesity.

In 1994 and in 1996, 103 girls and 95 boys [mean age (standard deviation): 7.5 (1.3) years] attending elementary schools in two Mohawk communities completed a questionnaire assessing demographic and lifestyle variables. In addition, height, weight, and subscapular skinfold thickness (SSF) were measured and children performed a run/walk fitness (R/W) test. Gender-specific multiple linear regression assessed the impact of baseline variables on the log of SSF at baseline and follow-up.

In cross-sectional analyses among boys and girls, the common correlates of baseline SSF included failing to achieve the minimal fitness standard for the R/W test and being involved in summer sports. Additional correlates identified only among girls included excessive television watching, lower PA, and involvement in community sports. Longitudinal predictors among girls were younger age, being from the comparison community, excessive TV, and PA. Among boys, only baseline SSF predicted follow-up SSF. Girls who watched excessive TV had SSFs 30 and 14% greater than those who watched less TV at baseline and follow-up, respectively.

TV viewing was the only consistent determinant of adiposity among girls.