Abstract
The prevalence of obesity in the Hispanic preschool population remains elevated, particularly among children in low income families below the poverty level. Obesity leads to the early onset of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. The Head Start population of Texas is largely comprised of this high risk group. Their physical activity level is suboptimal in part due to lack of available outside play areas and time spent watching television and playing sedentary video games. Dietary intake is frequently high in sugar sweetened beverages and low in vegetables. The group is frequently bilingual with limited vocabulary and has not learned to read. Preserving their Mexican American culture is a concern. This article describes the development and assessment of a group of bilingual interactive video interventions to improve age appropriate physical activity while providing basic nutrition education focusing on increasing vegetable and water intake and decreasing sugar sweetened beverages. Suggestions for development and assessment of content were provided by focus groups of Head Start teachers, managers and dietitians in the Texas counties of Bastrop, Hidalgo and McLennon. A demonstration of the videos was conducted in Bastrop County. Teachers, students and managers felt that the videos provided excellent information, improved exercise participation and engaged the children.
Highlights
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among United States preschool children age 2–5 years has decreased from 13.5% in 2003–2004 to 8.4% in 2011–2012; Mexican American children far exceeded the average level for obesity at 18.2% for boys and 15.2% for girls [1]
Obesity and ethnicity in Mexican American children markedly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Screen time and exercise time has been studied in this population and screen time exceeds the two hours a day recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics in over 60% of the children on weekdays and 77% of the children on weekends
Summary
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among United States preschool children age 2–5 years has decreased from 13.5% in 2003–2004 to 8.4% in 2011–2012; Mexican American children far exceeded the average level for obesity at 18.2% for boys and 15.2% for girls [1]. Obesity and ethnicity in Mexican American children markedly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In the study of Weiss et al [4] where obese and nonobese children were compared for insulin resistance, hypertension, lipids levels, and the presence of metabolic syndrome, a preschool age group was included and 23.7% of the children were Hispanic. Screen time and exercise time has been studied in this population and screen time exceeds the two hours a day recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics in over 60% of the children on weekdays and 77% of the children on weekends
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