Family factors related to obesity in mexican-american and anglo preschool children

The relationship between family factors and obesity in Mexican-American and Anglo preschool children was investigated. The sample consisted of 377 mothers and their children; 189 were Mexican Americans and 188 were Anglos. Results indicated that Mexican-American children were heavier and were more likely to live in single parent families than Anglo children. Mothers of Mexican-American children were more overweight, were less educated, and had lower family income than the mothers of Anglo children. The results revealed that the family factors of socioeconomic status, marital status, and maternal body mass index are associated with obesity in children. Knowledge of these factors may help to identify children at risk for this serious public health problem.