Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Associated with Predictors of Childhood Obesity

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between behaviors (physical activity and eating patterns) and socioeconomic and built factors that affect childhood obesity. A sample of 171 participants were selected from three elementary schools in Montclair, California. Family SES and health information about the students were gathered. The number of parks, fast food restaurants, and grocery stores within school district border lines were tallied, and data was analyzed using logistic regression. Lower income was associated with 2.11 times higher odds of consuming fast food, and 3.06 times higher odds of consuming soda. Feeling unsafe in the neighborhood was associated with 2.57 times higher odds of consuming fast food. Children whose parents had some college education were 3.23 times more likely to consume milk, 2.97 times more likely to consume vegetables, and 2.29 times more likely to engage in physical activity than parents with no more than high school education. Children engaging in physical activity were 69% less likely to be obese. Parent income, parent education, and concern for neighborhood safety affected the eating habits and physical activity level of children in Montclair. Increased fast food consumption and decreased physical activity were associated with higher BMI percentiles among this population.