Obesity in American-Indian children: prevalence, consequences, and prevention.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2003
Abstract
BACKGROUND: American Indians of all ages and both sexes have a high prevalence of obesity. The health risks associated with obesity are numerous and include Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and respiratory problems. Obesity has become a major health problem in American Indians only in the past few generations and it is believed to be associated with the relative abundance of high-fat, high-calorie foods and the rapid change from active to sedentary lifestyles.
METHODS: The authors reviewed selected literature on prevalence of obesity in American-Indian children, and health consequences of obesity.
RESULTS: Obesity is now one of the most serious public health problems facing American-Indian children, and it has grave implications for the immediate and long-term health of American-Indian youth. Unless this pattern is reversed, American-Indian populations will be burdened by an increased incidence of chronic diseases. Intervention studies are urgently needed in American-Indian communities to develop and test effective strategies for obesity prevention and treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: To be effective, educational and environmental interventions must be developed with full participation of the American-Indian communities.
Recommended Citation
Story, Mary; June Stevens; John Himes; Elaine Stone; Bonnie Holy Rock; Becky Ethelbah; and Sally Davis.
"Obesity in American-Indian children: prevalence, consequences, and prevention.."
