Obesity in Mexican-American and Anglo children

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which certain factors are related to obesity in Mexican-American and Anglo preschool children. The following questions were addressed: To what extent is obesity in these children related to maternal: 1) nutrition knowledge, 2) feeding practices, 3) values, 4) socioeconomic status, 5) acculturation and 6) demographic variables. A descriptive correlational design was used with 189 Mexican-American and 188 Anglo mother-child pairs recruited from WIC Clinics. Children's triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses, as well as weight for height Zscores were assessed. Obesity was defined as at or above the 85th percentile. Questionnaires were administered to the mothers of each child. Data analysis included logistic and multiple linear regressions, and descriptive statistics. Findings suggest risks associated with childhood obesity involving biologic, family and feeding practice factors. These risk factors provide a basis for assessment and program development for the prevention of obesity, especially in Mexican-American children.