Childhood obesity in New York City elementary school students

Lorna E. Thorpe, Deborah G. List, Terry Marx, Linda May, Steven D. Helgerson, Thomas R. Frieden

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives. We estimated overweight and obesity in New York City elementary school children. Methods. A multistage cluster sample of New York City public elementary school children was selected. Nurses measured children's height and weight and used a standard protocol to determine body mass index (BMI). Demographic information was obtained from official school rosters. Overweight and obese were defined as BMI-for-age at or above the 85th and 95th percentiles, respectively. Results. Of 3069 sampled students, 2681 (87%) were measured. The prevalence of overweight was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 39%, 47%), more than half of whom were obese. Overall prevalence of obesity was 24% (95% CI = 21%, 27%), with at least 20% obesity in each grade, including kindergarten. Hispanic children had significantly higher levels (31%; 95% CI = 29%, 34%) than Black (23%; 95% CI = 18%, 28%) or White children (16%; 95% CI = 12%, 20%). Asian children had the lowest level of obesity among all racial/ethnic groups (14.4%, 95% CI = 10.9, 18.7). Conclusions. Obesity among public elementary school children in New York City is an important public health issue. Particularly high levels among Hispanic and Black children mirror national trends and are insufficiently understood.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1496-1500
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Volume94
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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