Abstract 363: Trends in Body Mass Index Based on Socioeconomic Status: A Report from Project Healthy Schools

Abstract

Background: Project Healthy Schools (PHS) is a school-based wellness program that aims to reduce childhood obesity and its associated long-term effects through educational and environmental initiatives. This study aims to explore BMI trends from 2004 to 2014 according to socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: From 2004-2014, sixth-grade BMI measurements from 23 schools were recorded at baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) (n=2,651). Schools were divided by SES based on area median household income. Mean BMI at BL and mean change in BMI between BL and FU are shown with 95% confidence intervals for the three SES groups at each year. Results: The high SES group had lower mean BMIs at BL than other groups each year. The trends suggest there was no difference between the low and middle SES groups at BL, although it appears low SES BMI is increasing over time. There were no notable differences in mean BMI change between groups. Conclusions: These data support previous studies showing lower BMIs in students from higher income areas. This validates the need to focus health interventions and nutritional efforts on lower SES groups.