Secular changes in physical growth and obesity among southwestern American Indian children over four decades

• DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12199
• Publication Date: 2016-12-06T21:17:48Z
• Authors: P. Vijayakumar; K. M. Wheelock; S. Kobes; R. G. Nelson; R. L. Hanson; W. C. Knowler; M. Sinha
• Keywords: Secular Variation; Longitudinal Study

Summary Background and Objectives Most studies describing childhood obesity in the United States are based on cross‐sectional surveys do not include substantial numbers of American Indians (AI). Secular trends height weight reflect general health status. This study describes transitions among AI children over a 43‐year period. Methods Anthropometric data were obtained from prospective conducted southwestern US population (1965 through 2007). For analysis, 12 377 observations available 6529 across four birth cohorts (1955–1964, 1965–1974, 1975–1984, 1985–1994). Participants stratified into three age groups: pre‐ (5–9 years), early (10–13) late (14–17) adolescence. Longitudinal analyses included 1737 with one exam each group. Results In adolescence, increased cohorts. Prevalence pre‐adolescents was 17.5% (95% CI, 15.1%–19.9%) 1955–1964 cohort 33.7% 30.1%–36.4%) 1985–1994 cohort. 74% overweight pre‐adolescence became obese by adolescence; cohort, only 43% made this transition. Conclusions rising prevalence obesity. Children remained stressing need for intervention.