Is Race a Link in Obesity in Children?

There is a correlation between race and obesity in children, but there is no explicit link. It is difficult to make a definitive association because so many of the contributing variables that play a role in childhood obesity overlap one another.

Misconceptions

• It is estimated that 22 percent of Mexican-American children, 20 percent of African-American children and 14 percent of non-Hispanic white children in the United States are overweight. While these numbers seem to suggest a clear cause and effect, they do not reveal the full story.

Considerations

• Studies have shown that eating habits, lifestyle, social and economic status, genetics and a child's physical environment are all contributing factors to childhood obesity. Race also is among indicated factors, but because race is so often an influence upon the other factors listed, it's difficult to determine if race is a definite cause or more coincidental cause of obesity.

Significance

• There is evidence to suggest that genetics can increase a child's susceptibility to obesity, but the more significant and definitive causes of childhood obesity are linked to eating habits and lifestyle choices.

Geography

• Another potentially coincidental factor in childhood obesity is geography. The physical environment in which a child lives plays a role in the availability of healthy foods and access to the opportunity to be physical active (such as access to parks to play in). Geography also is frequently indicative of social and economic status.

Prevention/Solution

• Often a healthy and balanced diet, along with an active lifestyle, is enough to prevent childhood obesity.