Factors Associated with Obese Weight Status Among Adolescents in a Primary Care Clinic

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obese and overweight children in the US is ~30%. This study examines factors associated with obese weight status based on adolescent survey responses.

METHODS: Patients (ages 9-18) who presented for a visit at an urban pediatric and adolescent clinic were enrolled from May - August 2014 after IRB approval. Subjects completed surveys about health questions. Adolescent height and weight were measured in the clinic and categorized into body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentiles. Caregiver height and weight were self-reported and categorized into adult BMI standards.

RESULTS: A total of 129 pairs of adolescents and their parents were enrolled with no difference in mean age, gender, and education levels between obese adolescents and non-obese adolescents and the parents of both groups. Food intake and healthy food behaviors may not make a large impact on weight status. The only factor that is statistically significant is frequent exercise (4+ days in a week), which decreases risk of obesity by 3 times. The odds of being obese with having friends who do not eat healthy is 5.7 times and living in an unsafe neighborhood is 4 times as likely, which may have a larger impact than parental influences.

DISCUSSION: Obese adolescents differ from their non-obese peers in more than BMI status. Obesity was associated with a lack of exercise and peer influences. Healthcare professionals can improve communication with patients if they understand factors associated with obesity and address them, as well as instituting programs that target exercise and peers.