Lynne Kotranski, PhD, Francine Axler, MPH, and Diana Levengood, BA. Research and Evaluation, Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, 260 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 985-2552, lynne@phmc.org

The purpose of this presentation is to examine the prevalence of obesity among an urban and suburban adolescent population and to identify both subgroup variations in obesity and predictors of obesity. Data for this presentation are from a representative household health survey conducted in 2002 in which information was collected about adults and children from 10,163 households in Southeastern Pennsylvania, which includes Philadelphia and the four surrounding suburban counties. This presentation focuses on children 12-17 years of age. Information was obtained about physical and mental health, health promotion and disease prevention, access to care, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of individuals and households. Obesity was calculated based on the adolescent’s BMI and age. As defined by the CDC, adolescents in the 85th or higher percentile were defined as “at-risk for obesity.” Our analysis conducted to date shows that 24.9% of adolescents are at-risk for obesity, with males (29.4%), African Americans (32.0%,) the poor (34.9), uninsured (35.3%), and those with asthma and/or other chronic health conditions (32.1%) being more likely to be at-risk than other adolescents. Moreover, those adolescents who are at risk for obesity are more likely to be reported to be in poorer physical and mental health. Differences were also found to exist by household characteristics and for city versus suburban adolescents. The implication of these findings for health promotion and disease prevention efforts is discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• to examine the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in an urban and suburban environment;
• to understand subgroup differences among adolescents based on socioeconomic and demographicfactors;and
• to identify potential opportunities for health promotion/disease prevention targeting obesity among adolescents

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Obesity

Related Web page: www.phmc.org/chdb

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.