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 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.
Lynch
Wesley C
WC
Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3440, United States. wlynch@montana.edu
Heil
Daniel P
DP
Wagner
Elise
E
Havens
Michael D
MD
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D049628:Body Size / Q000208:ethnology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000208:ethnology*; D002648:Child; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D009009:Montana; D050177:Overweight / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012945:Social Values / Q000208:ethnology; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*