This study used existing data to study factors related to overweight among children (6 to 11 years) and adolescents (12 to 17 years). The data source was the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Household Component, a nationally representative sample of 8652 families that completed six interviews over a 2.5 year period. Complete information including reported (but not measured) height and weight was available on 3775 youth. This study defined overweight as “body mass index (BMI) at or greater than the 95%ile for age and sex” using the CDC definition

Among the 6-11 year-olds, the prevalence of overweight was 26.9%. Black (44%) and Latino (37%) children had higher rates of overweight compared to non-Latino Whites (21%). Overweight children were more likely to live in low-income households (below 125% of the poverty level).  Status of health insurance was not associated with overweight.

Among the adolescents, 11.2% were overweight with higher rates among Latino (15.7%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (20%) groups. Youth with publicly funded (15%) or no health insurance (18.6%) had higher rates of overweight than those with private insurance (9%).

The rate of overweight among younger children may be related to family factors (parent education, household income). Overweight among adolescents is influenced more by individual factors. 

Health insurance should be a resource for prevention and treatment of overweight in addition to parental actions (limiting television time) and school-based strategies.

(Haas J. et al. Am J Public Health 2003;93:2105-2110)

Comment: The MEPS does not include measures of physical activity but the authors suggest attention to cultural lifestyles and beliefs for Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander youth in weight control interventions. --J.O.