Obesity rates differ amongst elementary school groups

A study conducted in Southeastern Texas has found that the obesity trajectory rates amongst elementary school children differ with gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The researchers set out to examine whether there were distinct BMI trajectory groups, and if they could develop predictors for these groups. 1,651 school children were involved in the study, and data was collected biannually from when the children were 5 to when they were 11 years old.

The researchers found that boys, Hispanic and non-hispanic black children were at a much higher risk of becoming overweight or obese during their time at elementary school. Highlighting a possible need for focused obesity treatment. Furthermore, it was found that post-kindergarten and the summer months were when most children transitioned to becoming overweight or obese. The authors of the study are hoping to continue this work and identify which particular diet and lifestyle factors are largely responsible for the varying group trajectories so that more of an effort can be made in preventing overweight and obesity from developing.