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Growing Up Healthy| Generational trends in obesity, physical activity, and diet of New York City immigrant children

<p> <b>Background:</b>Studies suggest first generation status is protective regarding obesity/diet, but not physical activity. We sought to determine whether generational status of Hispanic and Black NYC children correlates with obesity, physical activity, and diet. <b>Methods:</b> Children ages 6-8 who could be classified as first/second/third generation from the Growing Up Healthy study (n=456) were included. BMI was calculated using age- and gender-specific CDC norms. Mean steps were recorded with pedometers. Physical/sedentary activity and frequency of fast food/restaurant meals were assessed via survey. T-tests, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were performed. <b> Findings: </b>While screen and sedentary time were highest in third generation children (p=0.03, p=0.00), they reported more MET-hours and unscheduled physical activity (p=0.04, p=0.01). Fast food consumption increased with generation among Hispanics (n=267, p=0.01). <b>Conclusions: </b>Sedentary behavior and fast food consumption were highest among third generation children. Ethnic-specific trends in physical activity and diet reinforce the need for additional research. </p>

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:1537369
Date08 June 2013
CreatorsSaenger, Pamela M.
PublisherIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Source SetsProQuest.com
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typethesis

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