Overweight in Children

Abstract

Children and adolescents in the United States are increasingly overweight at younger ages. Many studies have investigated the issue from the perspective of professionals and other adults. This study assessed early adolescents' perceptions regarding the magnitude of, effects of, causes of, solutions for, and learning preferences related to overweight. Data were obtained from 1,168 students, grades four to eight, who visited nine health education centers. Data were collected anonymously via electronic keypads. Analyses were based on multivariate and nominal logistic regressions. The majority of students believed childhood overweight is a problem (52%), and thought overweight is primarily caused by (55%) and can be addressed through (68%) nutrition and exercise. Most preferred to learn through doing (joining an active group or cooking demos, 43%) instead of listening (school lessons, 8%). Further, most (60%) perceived that overweight children and adolescents have a more difficult time making friends. Girls were more likely to report that they were worried about their weight (AOR=2.9, CI=1.6-3.8; p=0.00), have been spoken to about their weight (AOR=2.0, CI=1.6-2.7; p=0.00), and have tried to lose weight (AOR=1.8x, CI=1.4-2.5; p<0.01). Students who perceived themselves to be about the right weight were more likely than those who described themselves as underweight to say they have tried to lose weight (AOR=2.3, CI=1.6-3.3; p=0.00). Recommendations are given to assist health educators in developing programs that address overweight among early adolescents.