The diet, fitness level and insulin resistance of Hispanic children living in an urban Milwaukee, WI community are associated with childhood obesity

Childhood overweight and obesity prevalence is rapidly increasing in the U.S., and the burden is even greater among Hispanic children (42%). The primary aim of the study was to examine the diet, fitness level, and insulin resistance and their association with obesity among Hispanic children. The second aim was to determine the association of parental obesity, demographics and acculturation with the odds of childhood obesity.

A food frequency questionnaire was administered to 188 children (aged 10-14 years). Physical measures of height and weight, fitness level and fasting blood glucose/insulin were obtained. Differences in fitness level, fasting blood glucose/insulin (HOMA_IR) and diet were examined. The odds ratio of childhood obesity was calculated for parental obesity, demographics and acculturation level reported by the parents.

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity were 25.1% and 27.4%, respectively. Low fitness level and HOMA_IR were significantly associated among the overweight and obese (P<0.0001). Reported intake of sugary beverages was significantly higher in overweight and obese children (P<0.05). Maternal obesity [OR=2.6 (1.2, 5.9)] and low-medium family income [OR=2.9 (1.1, 8.6)] were associated with higher odds of childhood obesity.

Children in this community demonstrated higher overweight and obesity rates (25.1% and 27.4%, respectively) for their age than national rates for Hispanic children (19.2% and 23.2%). Low fitness level, and high intake of sugary beverages were identified as significant correlates of childhood obesity. Interventions targeting these risk factors could have an effect on the high prevalence of excess childhood weight and elevated HOMA_IR in this community.