Author Interviews, CDC, Pediatrics, Weight Research / 15.09.2015
Childhood Obesity Decreasing But Mainly in Boys
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jessica M. Robbins, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Public Health Epidemiologist
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Medical Research: What is the background for this study?
Response: The rapid increase in child obesity rates across the US in recent decades has affected Philadelphia as it has other cities. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has worked with the School District of Philadelphia to analyze data on students' heights and weights to determine trends in obesity since the 2006-2007 school year. Data we had examined through the 2009-2010 school year indicated that the prevalence of obesity and severe obesity were declining in this population, and notably were declining in African-American and Hispanic students as well. We updated the analyses with data through the 2012-2013 school year to see if that trend had continued.
Medical Research: What are the main findings?
Response: Overall, the prevalence of obesity and particularly of severe obesity continued to decline, although more slowly than in the earlier period. However, there were some disturbing disparities, with improvement largely limited to boys. Girls in grades kindergarten through 5 and Hispanic girls actually saw increased obesity since 2009-2010.
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