Prevalence of adolescent obesity related to exercise, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and parental factors

This study conducted in a rural South Texas middle school examined the prevalence of obesity in 145 seventh graders and their parents'/guardians perception of their children's weight status. The influenced of exercise, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and parental factors on obesity was examined. Measurements of height and weight were taken for each child to determine body mass index and weight status. A questionnaire was given to each child's respective parent/guardian to measure specific factors in relation to the child's weight status. The data showed that 57.2% were not overweight, 13.8% were overweight, and 29% were obese. Overall non-athletes weighed more and had higher BMI's compared to the athletes. The Hispanic students weighed more and had higher BMI's compared to Caucasians. There was no significant difference between gender and ethnicity on the seven factors of the Child Feeding Questionnaire, however, there were significant differences between the weight status of the students and several of the factors within the questionnaire.