Related Experiment Videos
Overweight and obesity in preschool children in New York City
Insights
Childhood obesity is prevalent in New York City nursery schools, with 12.2% of children exceeding 120% of ideal body weight. Early identification through weight and height measurements is crucial for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Child Nutrition
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern with long-term health implications.
- Early identification and intervention are critical for managing pediatric obesity.
- Prevalence data in preschool-aged children is essential for targeted public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of obesity in preschool-aged children in New York City.
- To identify potential socioeconomic factors associated with childhood obesity.
- To assess the feasibility of early identification using standard anthropometric measurements.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 48 nursery schools across Manhattan and Queens.
- Weight and height measurements were collected for 2606 children aged 3 to 6 years.
- Obesity was defined as exceeding 120% and 130% of ideal body weight; socioeconomic status was inferred from school demographics.
Main Results:
- 12.2% of children were above 120% of ideal body weight, and 4.7% were above 130%.
- Obesity prevalence was higher in children from low-income families (20%) compared to middle-income (12%) and high-income (5%) families.
- Obesity prevalence rates were similar for both boys and girls.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is prevalent in the nursery school population studied.
- Weight and height measurements provide a feasible method for early identification of obese children.
- Early intervention programs for weight reduction and maintenance may be most effective at this age.
Abstract:
In an effort to ascertain the prevalence of obesity in young children, 48 nursery schools in Manhattan and Queens, New York City were surveyed. The weights and heights of 2606 children, ages 3 to 6 yr, were obtained. Three-hundred seventeen children (12.2%) were above 120% of ideal body weight and 122 (4.7%) were above 130% of ideal weight. Twenty percent of the children from schools attended by youngsters from low income families, 12% from schools attended by pupils from middle income families, and 5% from schools with pupils from families with a high income were classified as obese. Of the obese children's actual body weights 90% were at or greater than the 75th percentile for age while mean higher percentiles of the obese and nonobese children were not significantly different. Sex specific prevalence rates were similar for boys and girls. These data indicate that obesity is already prevalent in the nursery school population and that such obese children can be easily identified from weight and height measurements at a time when programs for successful permanent weight reduction and maintenance may be feasible.