Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Adolescent Weight Changes
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.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website