Ethnicity,culture and social class can influence childhood obesity

A large study of 7889 primary and state high school children across Australia found males were more obese than females and obesity was more common in students of Pacific Islander background. In primary school 6.4% of males and 5.6% of females were obese, while in high school 7.7% of males and 5.7% of females were obese.

Adolescent girls and boys of low socioeconomic status and those from Pacific Island, Middle Eastern/Arabic background were more likely to be obese and less likely to perceive themselves as fat ( particularly girls) than Anglo/Caucasian  or Asian students. Obesity was four times more prevalent in Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern/Arabic groups of children than Anglo/Caucasian and Asian children of the same age.

Health professionals need to be aware that obesity is more prevalent, more acceptable and perhaps more desirable among children from low socioeconomic and/or Middle Eastern and Pacific Islander background where fatness may be regarded as a sign of success, wealth and fertility. Culturally appropriate messages encouraging healthy eating and physical activity need to be given to these groups. Over emphasis on obesity in Caucasian/Asian children who are not at high risk has the potential to increase disorded eating.

References

O'Dea JA. Gender, Ethnicity, culture and social class influences on childhood obesity among Australian school children: Implications for treatment, prevention and community education. In Press. Journal of Health & Social Care in the Community January 2008

O'Dea JA. Are we OK or are we not? Journal of the HEIA 2007: 14(3);6-14