Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Weight Change Patterns in Adolescents
2009

Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Adolescent Weight Changes

Sample size: 2516 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nancy E. Sherwood, Melanie Wall, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Mary Story

Primary Institution: University of Minnesota

Hypothesis

Do weight gain patterns differ among adolescents from different socioeconomic backgrounds?

Conclusion

The study found that adolescents from low-socioeconomic backgrounds are at a higher risk for overweight and are more likely to remain or become overweight over time.

Supporting Evidence

  • Boys in the low-SES category were more likely to be overweight than those in the high-SES category.
  • Girls in the low-SES category showed a significant increase in overweight prevalence over five years.
  • Boys in the high-SES category showed a significant decrease in overweight prevalence.

Takeaway

Kids from poorer families are more likely to be overweight and stay that way as they grow up, while kids from richer families are getting healthier.

Methodology

The study followed a diverse sample of adolescents over five years, using mixed-model regression analyses to examine weight status changes.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported BMI and high attrition rates.

Limitations

High attrition rates and small cell sizes for some racial/ethnic groups limited the analysis.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 1074 boys and 1334 girls, with a diverse representation across socioeconomic and racial/ethnic backgrounds.

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