Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Hispanic Preschool Children in San Luis Obispo County, California

Kristine Z. Jankovitz; Karen J. McGaughey; Kyla Tom; Dayna Ravalin; Ann Yelmokas McDermott

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v10iSI-Latino.1488

Kristine Z. Jankovitz California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Karen J. McGaughey California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Kyla Tom California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Dayna Ravalin San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department, CA
Ann Yelmokas McDermott California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v10iSI-Latino.1488

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obese (OW/OB) preschool children in San Luis Obispo County. Preschool children ages 3-5 years were measured for height and weight in 2006 (n = 482) and in 2009/10 combined (n = 559). The CDC BMI calculator for ages 2-20 was used to determine BMI classification. In 2006, 26.4% were OW/OB and by 2009/10, 34.8% were OW/OB. Rates were similar among boys and girls (p = 0.70) and increased significantly over time (p = 0.0070). Caucasian and Hispanic children had similar OW/OB rates in 2006, but by 2009/10 the Hispanic children were 2.7 times more likely to be obese (CI: 1.68, 4.57). Because Hispanic children were more likely to attend Head Start or California State preschools versus private preschools (78.0%, 81.0% and 7.4% respectively), it appears Head Start and California State preschools would be a likely place for interventions directed to meet the needs of Hispanic preschoolers, and may serve to reverse the trend in childhood obesity and address the disparity in weight status among Hispanic preschool aged children.