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Associations between Weight‐Related Variables, Gender, and Age in Overweight and Obese Preadolescents and Adolescents
Author(s) -
Delavan Elizabeth Leigh,
Crook Tina,
Phelps Josh,
Hakkak Reza
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.687.1
Subject(s) - overweight , obesity , national health and nutrition examination survey , medicine , perception , body mass index , weight loss , childhood obesity , demography , gerontology , psychology , environmental health , population , neuroscience , sociology
Despite the increased awareness and attention targeted toward the childhood obesity epidemic, a feasible and ideal treatment strategy remains a challenge. The literature suggests that weight loss attempts in overweight/obese children and adolescents are more successful when they have a desire to lose weight and have a correct perception of their weight status. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine “desire to lose weight” and “weight perception accuracy” in children, ages 8–15 years. Data from NHANES 2011–2012 were used for the analyses. Participants included 548 overweight and obese preadolescents (8–11 years of age) and adolescents (8–15 years of age). BMI category was determined by physical examination data and CDC age‐ and gender‐specific growth charts. NHANES questionnaire responses were used to determine weight perception accuracy, desire to lose weight (based on what participants reported they were trying to do about their weight), and identification as overweight by a health professional. Chi‐square tests were performed to determine independence of variables. Data showed significant associations between desire to lose weight and identification of overweight by a doctor or health professional, χ2 (1) = 33.544, p = <.0001, phi = .258, weight perception accuracy and age, χ2 (1) = 17.363, p = <.0001, phi = .186, weight perception accuracy and diagnosis of overweight by a doctor or health professional, χ2 (1) = 56.281, p = <.0001, phi = .332, and weight perception accuracy and gender, χ2 (1) = 3.957, p = .047, phi = .091. Our results indicate that identification of childhood overweight/obesity by doctors and other health professionals is a key component to effective treatment. Additionally, the treatment strategy should take into consideration the age and gender of the child. Based on our findings, we advocate that a “one‐size‐fits‐all” method for the treatment of childhood overweight and obesity is likely oversimplified and insufficient. Support or Funding Information Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences