Regular physical activity has differential association with reduced obesity among diverse youth in the United States

Abstract

This study examined whether daily or almost daily lower-intensity physical activity was associated with reduced obesity, among 4824 African American, Hispanic, and White youth assessed in fifth and seventh grades. Regular lower-intensity physical activity was associated with reduced obesity only among Hispanic and White males and only in seventh grade, and not among youth in fifth grade, females, or African American males or females. Findings from this study suggest that the reduced obesity risk generally attributed to physical activity may not be consistent across racial/ethnic and gender groups of early adolescents.

Obesity and Overweight Among Brazilian Early Adolescents: Variability Across Region, Socioeconomic Status, and Gender

“…Of greater interest is the bivariate finding of higher obesity among Black females (17%), as compared to their Pardo (6%) and White (6%) counterparts (see Table 6 ). This relationship reflects the findings of a study from the United States ( 29 ). In that study of weight risk among an early adolescent sample ( N = 4,824; M age = 11.11 years), Black females had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity (32%) than their same-sex White counterparts (15%), OR = 2.28 [1.40, 3.72].…”

Commentary: Dennis D. Drotar Distinguished Research Award: Reflections on People and Contexts Influencing a Research Career

“…Further, we were the first to show that the expected association between lower socioeconomic status and higher weight status is present indeed in Latino and White, but not in Black adolescents for whom improved family resources does not protect against obesity (Fradkin et al, 2015). Moreover, we were the first to examine the association between self-reported physical activity and weight status in diverse young adolescents finding, contrary to expectations, little or no association (Fradkin, Wallander, Elliott, Cuccaro, & Schuster, 2014). Likewise, we are unable to confirm many of the expected associations between self-reported dietary intake (e.g., fruits and vegetables, sugarsweetened beverages) and weight status (work in progress).…”

Obese Children Do Not Need to Increase Their Physical Activity Any More than Their Lean Counterparts Do

“…Mental health issues are also of importance, as depression or exposure to bullying potentially faced by obese children has the potential to influence some of these factors. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that the association between PA and obesity is not consistent across different ethnic groups and genders ( 14 ). One should also consider overall energy balance (between caloric intake and expenditure) as opposed to considering them independently.…”