Characteristics of Very Young Hispanic Children Referred for Obesity Management

Abstract

Information on risks associated with obesity during infancy specific to Hispanic children is scarce. This retrospective medical record review describes characteristics and parenting practices of Hispanic children age <2 years referred for obesity care at a tertiary hospital over a 6-year period. Data on 29 Hispanic children collected from parent-completed assessment forms and clinician documentation were analyzed. Children were of mean age 16.2 ± 4.9 months; body mass index z scores ranged from 1.5 to 9.4 (mean 4.5 ± 1.7); 45% were male; 97% received public insurance; 38% were breastfed ≥6 months; and 93% had a parent who was overweight or obese. Parenting practices included bottle feeding in bed (50%), regularly drinking sweetened beverages (33%), ≥2 hours of screen time (60%), and having a TV in child’s bedroom (55%). Better understanding of factors that contribute to the development of rapid weight gain of Hispanic children can inform future clinical and public health interventions.