Weight loss attempts and attitudes toward body size, eating, and physical activity in American Indian children: Relationship to weight status and gender

Objective: This study examined dieting, weight perceptions, and self-effica cy to eat healthy foods and engage in physical activity and their relations hips to weight status and gender among American Indian elementary schoolchi ldren. Research Methods and Procedures: Data for this study were collected as part of the baseline examination for the Pathways study. Participants were 1441 second- through third-grade American Indian children in 41 schools represe nting seven tribes in Arizona, New Mexico, and South Dakota who filled out a questionnaire and had heights and weights taken. Results: Forty-two percent of the children were overweight or obese. No dif ferences were found between overweight/obese and normal weight children for healthy food intentions or self-efficacy. Heavier children (especially tho se with body mass index > 95th percentile) were more likely to have tried t o lose weight or were currently trying to lose weight. No gender difference s were found. Normal weight children chose a slightly heavier body size as most healthy compared with overweight/obese children. Discussion: The results indicate that children are concerned about their we ight and that weight modification efforts are common among overweight Ameri can Indian children. School, community, and family-based programs cue neede d to help young people adopt lifelong healthful eating and physical activit y practices.