Evidence suggests that substantial proportions of adolescents, regardless of ethnicity or gender, are engaged in excessive weight control behaviors. Crago and Shisslak (2003), however, have noted that small samples and poorly validated instruments have limited the value of previous ethnic difference studies. Using the McKnight Risk Factor Survey, we compared Native American, White, and Hispanic adolescents. Native students were divided into groups with one (NA-mixed) or two (NA) Native American biological parents. Surveys were completed by 5 th through 10 th grade students. BMI z-scores were significantly higher for boys and girls in the NA group, and boys in this group were significantly more engaged in weight control behaviors, including purging. A higher percentage of Native and Hispanic girls preferred a larger body size. BMI was positively correlated with weight and shape concerns and with weight control behaviors, regardless of ethnicity or gender. Overweight among Native adolescents may put them at greater risk for eating problems than their White peers.
KeywordsBMI; body image; weight concern; eating disorders; risk factors; weight control behaviors; size preference; McKnight Risk Factor Survey
Ethnic Differences in BMI, Weight Concerns, and Eating Behaviors: Comparison of Native American, White, and Hispanic AdolescentsBody dissatisfaction, fear of weight gain, appearance concerns, weight and shape concerns, and higher BMIs among adolescents are associated with increased risk for eating disorders (Killen et al., 1994; Shisslak et al., Stice, 1998;1998;Story et al., 1991;Striegel-Moore, Silberstein, & Rodin, 1986). In addition, recent studies suggest that substantial proportions of most ethnic groups and both genders are engaged in sometimes-excessive weight control behaviors (e.g., Croll, Neumark-Sztainer, Story, & Ireland, 2002;Taylor et al., 2003). In a recent review, however, Crago et al. (2003) noted that small sample sizes and poorly validated Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
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NIH-PA Author ManuscriptNIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author Manuscript assessment instruments have limited the usefulness of many studies of ethnic differences. In one of the few studies of Native American eating problems using validated behavioral measures, Smith and Krejci (1991) studied Native adolescents (~15 years old) from Pueblos in Southwestern USA and found that, compared to their Caucasian peers, a greater percentage of Native participants reported binge eating, vomiting and fear of gaining weight. In a recent large-scale survey of ...
