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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #204114
Title: Predictors of weight gain in Hispanic children - The VIVA LA FAMILIA study

Author
item Butte, Nancy
item WILSON, THEREZA - CNRC BAYLOR HOUSTON
item ADOLPH, ANNE - CNRC BAYLOR HOUSTON
item PUYAU, MAURICE - CNRC BAYLOR HOUSTON
item VOHRA, FIROZ - CNRC BAYLOR HOUSTON
item Ellis, Kenneth

Submitted to: Obesity
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/10/2005
Publication Date: 10/25/2005
Citation: Butte, N., Wilson, T., Adolph, A., Puyau, M., Vohra, F., Ellis, K. 2005. Predictors of weight gain in Hispanic children - The VIVA LA FAMILIA study [abstract]. Obesity. 13:A124.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Background: Childhood obesity arises from a dysregulation of energy balance; however, the relative role of diet and physical activity in the etiology of excessive weight gain is poorly understood. Methods: The specific aims of this study were to measure 1-year changes in weight, height, and body composition in 787 children participating in the VIVA LA FAMILIA study, and to determine the effect of diet and physical activity on these changes. Body composition was measured by DXA; free-living physical activity was assessed using 3-d accelerometer monitoring; and dietary intake was assessed by two 24-h dietary recalls. Results: Weight gain and associated changes in fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) were significantly higher in overweight children (P=0.001). Composition of the weight gain differed by obesity status: FM:FFM was 44:56 in non-overweight and 56:46 in overweight children. Significant predictors (P=0.05-0.001) of weight gain, changes in FFM and FM were age, gender, height velocity, percent diet fat or protein, and percent awake time in sedentary activity. Conclusion: Dietary fat and sedentary activity contribute to weight gain in Hispanic children.