Ethnic differences in BMI, weight concerns, and eating behaviors: comparison of Native American, White, and Hispanic adolescents

Evidence suggests that substantial proportions of adolescents, regardless of ethnicity or gender, are engaged in excessive weight control behaviors. Crago and Shisslak (2003), however, have noted that small samples and poorly validated instruments have limited the value of previous ethnic difference...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Body image 2007-06, Vol.4 (2), p.179-190
Main Authors: Lynch, Wesley C, Heil, Daniel P, Wagner, Elise, Havens, Michael D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acculturation
Adolescent
Body Image
Body Mass Index
Body Size - ethnology
Body Weight - ethnology
Child
Cross-Cultural Comparison
Feeding Behavior - ethnology
Feeding Behavior - psychology
Female
Health Surveys
Hispanic or Latino - psychology
Humans
Indians, North American - psychology
Male
Montana
Overweight - ethnology
Overweight - psychology
Risk Factors
Sex Factors
Social Values - ethnology
White People - psychology
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Summary:Evidence suggests that substantial proportions of adolescents, regardless of ethnicity or gender, are engaged in excessive weight control behaviors. Crago and Shisslak (2003), however, have noted that small samples and poorly validated instruments have limited the value of previous ethnic difference studies. Using the McKnight Risk Factor Survey, we compared Native American, White, and Hispanic adolescents. Native students were divided into groups with one (NA-mixed) or two (NA) Native American biological parents. Surveys were completed by 5th through 10th grade students. BMI z-scores were significantly higher for boys and girls in the NA group, and boys in this group were significantly more engaged in weight control behaviors, including purging. A higher percentage of Native and Hispanic girls preferred a larger body size. BMI was positively correlated with weight and shape concerns and with weight control behaviors, regardless of ethnicity or gender. Overweight among Native adolescents may put them at greater risk for eating problems than their White peers.
ISSN:1740-1445
1873-6807
DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2007.01.001