Disparities in Childhood Obesity in Low Socioeconomic Status and Racial/Ethnic Populations: An analytical literature review

Abstract

Since childhood obesity is linked with an increased risk of obesity in adulthood, obesity in
children and adolescence brings a multitude of adverse health outcomes including, but not
limited to cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, some forms of cancer, hypertension,
and death. This study focuses on analytical evaluation of disparities of childhood obesity in
low socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic populations. The analytical review was conducted
on the literature available online focusing five dimensions for the analysis is expressed in the
following points: (1) What is evel of incidence of childhood obesity in the United States, (2)
What is definition of childhood obesity? (3) What are the factors that impact obesity? (4) What
is the appropriate theoretical framework for research on childhood obesity? (5) What are the
knowledge gaps and the recommended future research? The prevalence of obesity in children
and adolescents is very alarming and needs to be addressed because this health status, being
overweight/obese, has a significant and unfavorable impact on not only the health of young
Americans today but also the future health of young Americans. Using the percentile categories
to determine childhood obesity, there are noteworthy differences when comparing obesity rates
by race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. There was no significant correlation
between race/ethnicity and overweight/obese when controlling the income. When addressing
disparities in childhood obesity it is important to understand not only the causes of obesity, but
also other factors which may amplify the causes of obesity. Socioeconomic status during
childhood, being male, white, has a high possibility of adiposity in adolescence. Exposure to
media and marketing, the reduced access and availability of quality and affordable food
products is an example of a factor that may amplify the cause of obesity.