[From the Kaiser Family Foundation web site.]

“Latino children in the U.S. are more likely to be obese by age three than black or white children, according to a study released on Monday by the Mathematica Policy Research, Reuters/Boston Globe reports. The report is based on a study of 2,452 children born in 75 U.S. hospitals who reached the age of three between 2001 and 2003. Findings show that 18% of all children are obese by age three, with rates of 25% among Hispanic children, 16% among black children and 14% among white children. According to Reuters/Globe, "disparity remained even after researchers accounted for socioeconomic factors -- such as household income, the mother's education level and whether the children had regular access to food." Obesity levels were measured according to the body mass index of children calculated during in-home visits. Children with BMIs in the 95th percentile or higher for their age and gender are considered obese. The report concludes, ‘This disparity in obesity between Hispanic and non-Hispanic children seems to develop early in life, so future research ... should focus on the period from conception to school entry.’"

Editor’s Note: Earlier reports have already projected that Hispanic children have a higher lifetime risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – up to 1 in 3.  Given its known association with obesity, this new study clearly underscores the profound risks to this population’s next generation and the need to promote healthier nutrition and increased physical activity.