Prevalence of obesity in American Indians and Alaska natives

Article Abstract:

Recent studies have reported that the incidence of obesity among American Indians, including Alaska natives, is increasing and may be greater than the incidence in other US populations. To determine the prevalence of obesity among American Indians, data provided by the National Medical Expenditure Survey of 1987, the Adolescent Health Survey, and the Centers for Disease Control were analyzed. These surveys collected information on body weight and height of preschool children, school-age children, and adult American Indians. A person was classified as overweight or obese if their body mass index (BMI, body weight in kilograms divided by height and measured in square meters, kg/m2) was greater than the 85th and 95th percentiles reported for a standard reference population. Thirty-four percent of the male, adult American Indians were overweight, and 40 percent of the females were overweight. These rates are significantly higher than those reported previously for US males (24 percent) and US females (25 percent). The prevalence of obesity among American Indians was estimated to be 14 percent for men and 17 percent for women. Again, these rates were higher than those reported for US men (9 percent) and women (8 percent). Among American Indian men and women, the incidence of obesity and overweight increased with age and was greatest for those between the ages of 45 and 64. The incidence of obesity among American Indian adolescents was 11 percent for boys and 7 percent for girls. The incidence of obesity among American Indian preschool children was 11 percent, which is also higher than that reported for US preschool children. The results of this study indicate that overweight and obesity are more common among American Indian males and females of all ages than in the general US population. Effective diets and exercise programs are needed for reducing the incidence of overweight and obesity in this group. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects

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Nutritional supplementation, psychosocial stimulation, and growth of stunted children: the Jamaican study

Article Abstract:

Proper growth and nutrition in children is a major health problem in underdeveloped countries. Many children in these countries have stunted growth, thought to be caused by the lack of proper nutrition and the high rates of sickness and disease. Several studies have attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplementation programs on the health of children and pregnant women in underdeveloped countries, but these studies have produced conflicting results. The programs that have established feeding centers have been more successful in improving health and nutrition than those that have focused on home delivery. However, the feeding centers are not able to reach many of the children that need the most help. To date, there have been no studies that have focused entirely on children with stunted growth. Therefore, a study was performed to determine if home delivery of nutritional supplementation could improve the health and growth of stunted children in Kingston, Jamaica. The study included 159 children between the ages of nine and 24 months. Thirty-two of the children were of normal height for their age and 127 had stunted growth. The children with stunted growth were divided into four groups based on the treatment they received: no treatment (control); nutrition supplement (a milk-based formula containing 525 calories and 140 grams of protein given once a week); psychosocial stimulation (constructive play sessions with the child); and supplement plus stimulation. During the 12-month study period, dietary supplementation resulted in an increase in height, weight and head circumference. The greatest effects were seen during the first six months of supplementation. Psychosocial stimulation had no effect on growth. It is concluded that home delivery of nutritional supplements can improve the growth of stunted children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Children, Growth, Dietary supplements, Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica

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Health implications of obesity in American Indians and Alaska Natives

Article Abstract:

Over the last several decades, obesity has become a major health problem for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). However, in the 1960s, malnutrition was a problem in some Navajo communities. In attempts to eliminate malnutrition, massive feeding programs were started to make food available to those who were malnourished. However, the foods that were given were high in fat content and calories, and low in fiber. At the same time, AI/ANs were experiencing a change in lifestyle with a decrease in physical activity. The increase in consumption of high-fat foods and the decrease in physical activity may have contributed to the rapid increase in obesity that occurred in AI/ANs. In addition to the increase in obesity, AI/ANs have experienced an increase in the incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and poor survival rates for breast cancer. It is possible that these diseases may be related to the increase in obesity. In the Pima Indians, extreme obesity has been shown to be associated with an increase in mortality. However, the relationship between obesity and mortality in other AI/AN groups is not known. In northern Canadian Indians, obesity was present primarily as excessive fat in the abdominal area. Excessive body fat in this body region is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. It is concluded that obesity is prevalent among AI/ANs and that steps need to be taken to prevent obesity and the health problems that it can cause. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Aleuts

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