Body mass index and injury severity in adolescent males

Childhood obesity's relationship to injury severity has not been determined. This study examined the relationship between obesity and injury severity, differences in injury severity between weight groups, and injury predictors. The sample included 611 adolescent males treated for injury at a 10-day camping event in Virginia. Findings indicate a significant relationship between body mass index percentile and injury severity (r = .08, p = .04) and less injury severity in normal-weight adolescents, F(2, 608) = 5.27, p < .01. Predictors of injury severity were cause, place injury occurred and injury type, R(2) change = .07, F(5, 601) = 6.52, p < .01. Implications are that overweight/obese adolescents may have increased risk of serious injuries. Examining predictors may decrease incidence of injuries at future events.