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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Overweight in Southeastern Pennsylvania children: 2002 household health survey data
Elizabeth B Rappaport1, Jessica M Robbins
1Thomas Jefferson University/Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA. dan.liz@verizon.net
Insights
Over a third of children in Southeastern Pennsylvania are overweight or at risk for overweight, with higher rates in younger children and minority groups. Childhood obesity is linked to poverty and lower education levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of overweight and risk for overweight in children.
- To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic/demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2002 Philadelphia Health Management Corporation Household Health Survey.
- Analyzed a sample of 2,621 children aged 2 to 17 years.
Main Results:
- 36% of children were overweight or at risk; 23% were overweight.
- Higher prevalence in younger children, African American, Hispanic, and Asian children.
- Overweight was associated with poverty, lower education, and higher adult BMI.
Conclusions:
- Prevalence of overweight in Southeastern PA children inversely related to age, differing from national trends.
- Urgent focus needed on nutrition and physical activity for young children (ages 2-9).
Objective:
The authors sought to estimate the prevalence of overweight and risk for overweight and to examine relationships between body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics among children in Philadelphia and four neighboring counties.
Methods:
Data from the 2002 Philadelphia Health Management Corporation Household Health Survey was examined.
Results:
Of 2,621 children aged 2 to 17 years, 36% were overweight or at risk for overweight and 23% were overweight. Prevalences of overweight and at risk for overweight were higher among younger children than among older children and adolescents. African American, Hispanic, and Asian children had higher prevalences than non-Hispanic white children. Childhood overweight was positively associated with household poverty, lower educational status, and higher BMI in the adult survey respondents.
Conclusions:
The observed inverse relationship between age and the prevalence of overweight among Southeastern Pennsylvania children and adolescents differs from previous reports of the prevalence of overweight in samples of U.S. children and adolescents. The high prevalence of overweight among children aged 2 to 9 years should focus attention on improving nutrition and increasing opportunities for physical activity and exercise among preschool and early school-age children.
