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Indications of early obesity in low-income Hmong children
J H Himes1, M Story, K Czaplinski
1Division of Human Development and Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Insights
This study found early signs of obesity in low-income Hmong children, challenging previous assumptions about this ethnic group
Area of Science:
- Pediatric nutrition
- Anthropometry
- Ethnic health disparities
Background:
- Hmong children are often considered at low risk for obesity.
- Understanding childhood obesity trends in specific ethnic groups is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of obesity among low-income Hmong children.
- To assess anthropometric measurements in young Hmong children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey conducted in Minneapolis, MN.
- 271 Hmong children (ages 1-4.99 years) were sampled from Women, Infants, and Children clinics.
- Height and weight data were collected and converted to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) z scores.
Main Results:
- Mean height-for-age z scores declined after age 2, indicating potential stunting.
- Mean weight-for-height z scores were significantly higher than NCHS reference data at ages 3 and 4 years.
- A fourfold excess of Hmong children exceeded the 95th percentile for weight-for-height.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests early-onset obesity in Hmong children.
- This finding contrasts with the previously perceived low risk of obesity in this population.
- Early identification and intervention strategies may be warranted.
Objective:
To determine if there is evidence of obesity in low-income Hmong children.
Design:
Cross-sectional survey.
Setting:
Women, Infants, and Children clinics in Minneapolis, Minn.
Participants:
271 US-born Hmong children, ages 1.00 through 4.99 years.
Selection Procedures:
Consecutive sample of all Hmong children seen in two clinics between September and December 1989.
Interventions:
None.
Measurements/Main Results:
Heights and weights were measured and converted to National Center for Health Statistics z scores of weight for age, height for age, and weight for height. Relative to National Center for Health Statistics reference data, mean height-for-age z scores decline progressively after age 2 years to--1.2 z at age 4.5 years. Mean weight-for-height z scores exceeded the National Center for Health Statistics reference significantly at ages 3 and 4 years, and there was more than a fourfold excess of Hmong children beyond the 95th percentile in weight for height at these ages.
Conclusions:
There is evidence of early obesity in Hmong children, an ethnic group heretofore considered to be a low risk for obesity.