Adolescent at-risk weight (overweight and obesity) prevalence in Hawai'i

To present prevalence rates of adolescents in Hawai'i at-risk weight (85 percentile or higher = overweight or obese) and the relationship with comorbidities.

The Hawai'i Youth Risk Behavior Survey aggregated for 2005, 2007, and 2009 was analyzed addressing at-risk weight prevalence by sex, race/ethnicity, and grade. Comorbidities were related to at-risk weight using regression.

Over 1/4 of Hawai'i adolescents were at-risk weight. There were no differences by grade, but boys had higher prevalence (31.0%) than girls (22.4%). Overall, Other Pacific Islanders and Hawaiians had the highest prevalence (43.9% and 37.4%, respectively), followed by multi-race (27.1%), Filipino (25.7%), and Whites with the lowest (16.1%). Most associations between at-risk weight and various co-morbidities (including sexual behavior, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, bullying, alcohol, and other drug use) were not significant (p>.05). However, girls and boys trying to lose weight; and boys with 3+ hours of screen time (TV, video, or computer games) each day were at increased odds of at-risk weight (p<.05).

Adolescent gender and ethnic disparities exist such that a single intervention approach (one size fits all) may be counterproductive. More research is required on the determinants and mechanisms to guide weight management interventions.