Key result
Playing as a high school football lineman was associated with a 43.9% combined prevalence of obesity and class 2 obesity, compared to 2.7% among non-linemen.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to determine the nationwide prevalence of obesity among high school football players and compare obesity across football position groups and team sports.
Cross-Sectional (n=391,212)
Yes
Obesity and class 2 obesity are highly prevalent among high school football linemen compared to non-linemen and athletes in other sports, highlighting a specific at-risk pediatric population.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May prompt BMI screening in high school football players; leaves open long-term cardiometabolic risks by position.
This article determines the prevalence of obesity among high school football players nationwide and compares obesity between position groups of football players and across team sports. We calculate body mass index (BMI) for 391 212 males participating in baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, and soccer, then stratify BMI into commonly accepted categories and subdivide football players by position played, comparing BMI across position groups and sports. A total of 47.4% of high school football players are healthy weight (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m 2 ), 18.0% have obesity (BMI = 30-34.9 kg/m 2 : 12.4%) or class 2 obesity (BMI >34.9 kg/m 2 : 5.6%). Among linemen, 14.8% are healthy weight, 14.6% have class 2 obesity, and another 29.3% have obesity. Among non-linemen, the combined prevalence of obesity and class 2 obesity is 2.7%, comparable to other team sports. Obesity is common among high school football players, more so than among other high school athletes. Obesity and class 2 obesity are only common among linemen.
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Berkowitz et al. (2019) conducted a cross-sectional in Obesity (n=391,212). Playing as a high school football lineman vs. Playing as a football non-lineman or in other team sports was evaluated on Combined prevalence of obesity (BMI 30-34.9) and class 2 obesity (BMI >34.9). Playing as a high school football lineman was associated with a 43.9% combined prevalence of obesity and class 2 obesity, compared to 2.7% among non-linemen.
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