Non-Hispanic Black Adolescents’ Self-Reported Health Behaviors Associated With Childhood Obesity in an Urban Clinic

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of children with overweight or obese weight status in the United States is ~30%. Limited data exist on urban adolescents’ self-reported health behaviors and their perceptions to healthy living. Objectives: To examine adolescents’ self-reported health behaviors and perceived barriers and their associations with weight status. Methods: In 2014, patients (ages 9+ years) were enrolled and completed health behavior surveys. Measurements were categorized into body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentiles. Adolescents without obesity (including underweight, healthy weight, and overweight) were compared against adolescents with obesity. Results: A total of 132 adolescents were enrolled. The only factor that was statistically significant between the 2 weight groups was frequent exercise, which decreased odds of obesity by 0.34 (95% CI 0.13-0.93). Surprisingly, the odds of being obese increased significantly by 11.1 (95% CI 4.2-33.3) in those reporting trying to lose weight. Conclusions: To combat obesity, we reiterate the need for frequent exercise. Health care professionals should consider highlighting increased frequency of exercise and explore why adolescents with obesity were more inclined to report weight loss methods.