Obesity Among Navajo Adolescents

Gilbert, Timothy J; Percy, Christopher A.; Sugarman, Jonathan R.; Benson, Lois; Percy, Carol

doi:10.1001/archpedi.1992.02160150029015

Cited by 50 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 30 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Consistent with other earlier reports of Navajo growth status (Gilbert et al, 1992; Sugarman et al, 1990), results of the Navajo Health and Nutrition Survey found that the prevalence of overweight (at or above the 85th percentile of NHANES II reference population) among 12-to 19-year-old Navajo adolescents was 35% in boys and 40% in girls (Freedman et al, 1997). Results from this study show a median BMI that is ~2 kg/m 2 higher when compared to the US reference population of the same age and sex.…”

Section: Southwestsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…Findings from studies in the 1980s among older Navajo adolescents (14 to 18 years of age), demonstrated that 33% of the girls and 25% of the boys were found to be overweight using NHANES II reference values (Gilbert et al, 1992). Consistent with other earlier reports of Navajo growth status (Gilbert et al, 1992; Sugarman et al, 1990), results of the Navajo Health and Nutrition Survey found that the prevalence of overweight (at or above the 85th percentile of NHANES II reference population) among 12-to 19-year-old Navajo adolescents was 35% in boys and 40% in girls (Freedman et al, 1997).…”

Section: Southwestmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Overweight and obesity among North American Indian infants, children, and youth

Schell

Gallo

2012

American J Hum Biol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The frequency of overweight and obesity among North American Indian children and youth exceeds that of other ethnic groups in the United States. This observation is based on studies using body mass index as the primary measure of overweight and obesity. In the mid-20th century, there were regional differences among North American Indian groups in sub-adults’ size and shape and only a few Southwestern groups were characterized by high rates of overweight and obesity. In most populations, the high prevalence of overweight and obesity developed in the last decades of the 20th century. Childhood obesity may begin early in life as many studies report higher birth weights and greater weight-for-height in the preschool years. Contributing factors include higher maternal weights, a nutritional transition from locally caught or raised foods to store bought items, psychosocial stress associated with threats to cultural identity and national sovereignty, and exposure to obesogenic pollutants, all associated to some degree with poverty. Obesity is part of the profile of poor health among Native Americans in the US and Canada, and contributes to woefully high rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and early mortality. Interventions that are culturally appropriate are needed to reduce weights at all points in the lifespan.

show abstract

Section: Southwestsupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Southwestmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overweight and obesity among North American Indian infants, children, and youth

Schell

Gallo

2012

American J Hum Biol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Several factors affect healthy dietary choices, including the gradual abandonment of traditional Navajo diets and lifestyles (Gilbert, Percy, Sugarman, Benson & Percy, 1992; Slattery et al, 2007) as well as increased consumption of “junk” and “fast” food (Cunningham-Sabo et al, 2008; Sharma et al, 2009). Yet two-thirds of Navajo live more than 30 miles away from the nearest supermarket where they may obtain fresh fruits and vegetables (Gittelsohn & Rowan, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Healthy Gardens/Healthy Lives

Lombard

Beresford

Ornelas

et al. 2013

Health Promotion Practice

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Poor access to nutritious foods, departure from traditional diets, and reduced physical activity are associated with a rise in type-2 diabetes and certain types of cancers among the Navajo. Diabetes in particular is of concern because of its increased prevalence among Navajo youth. Gardening can successfully address issues of poor availability of fruits and vegetables and offer many other social and health benefits. Our assessment aimed to determine Navajo attitudes about gardening and health in San Juan County, New Mexico. We conducted seven focus groups (including 31 people) to assess knowledge and attitudes related to gardening, and uncover barriers and facilitators to participation in a garden project. Each group session was moderated by two Navajo students. Transcripts revealed that many Navajo are aware of adverse health issues, predominantly obesity and diabetes, which occur on the reservation. Participants expressed a preference for educational approaches that incorporated cultural traditions, respect for elders, use of visual aids and experiential learning. Several social and agronomic barriers to gardening were also mentioned. Results suggested a broad interest in promoting gardening especially to reduce the risk of diabetes with the added value of enhancing social capital in Navajo communities.

show abstract

“…Rates of overweight and obesity among selected age and population groups among American Indian children and youth suggest increasing prevalence over the last 10 to 15 years. (Broussard, Johnson, Hymes, et al, 1991; Gilbert, Percy, Sugarman, et al, 1992; Hauck, Gallaher, Yang-Oshida, & Serdula, 1992; Nelson, 1994; Sugarman, White, & Gilbert, 1990).…”

Section: Chronic Disease Disabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%