Obesity in American-Indian children: prevalence, consequences, and prevention

Background. American Indians of all ages and both sexes have a high prevalence of obesity. The health risks associated with obesity are numerous and include Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and respiratory problems. Obesity has become a major health problem in American Indians only in the past few generations and it is believed to be associated with the relative abundance of high-fat, high-calorie foods and the rapid change from active to sedentary lifestyles. Methods. The authors reviewed selected literature on prevalence of obesity in American-Indian children, and health consequences of obesity. Results. Obesity is now one of the most serious public health problems facing American-Indian children, and it has grave implications for the immediate and long-term health of American-Indian youth. Unless this pattern is reversed, American-Indian populations will be burdened by an increased incidence of chronic diseases. Intervention studies are urgently needed in American-Indian communities to develop and test effective strategies for obesity prevention and treatment. Conclusions. To be effective, educational and environmental interventions must be developed with full participation of the American-Indian communities. (C) 2003 American Health Foundation and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.