High Fat Caloric Consumption and Low Levels of Physical Activity May Induce Prevalence of Obesity in Hispanic American Children

초록

The number of obese youth has increased dramatically in recent decades, yet very little data has assessed how children’s lifestyles have led to this increase in obesity. This study investigated possible factors (media viewing, dietary patterns,and levels of physical activity) contributing to the prevalence in obese Hispanic American children. Twenty-four Hispanic boysaged 6-13 years were recruited. Based on initial body mass index screenings, the subjects were assigned to either a control or obese group (obese > 25% by % fat). Both groups were administered assessments on media viewing, dietary patterns, and levels of physical activity by using a daily log and pedometer. There was no significant difference in media viewing between the obese group and the control group. The total amount of caloric intake in the obese group was not different from that of the control group. However, the percentage of fat calories in the obese group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The average steps per day in the control group were significantly higher than that in the obese group. It was assumed that the dominant determinants in obese Hispanic boysmight be heavily influenced by a high percentage of fat calories consumption and low levels of physical activity, not media viewing and total amount of caloric intake.

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