Children from Middle Eastern and Asian backgrounds are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese than those from English-speaking backgrounds, new research has found.
A University of Sydney study of NSW primary school kids found that ethnicity was a significant predictor of obesity, physical activity and cardiovascular fitness.
Researchers analysed data on 4898 kids from Australia’s largest ethnic groups, Anglo, Middle Eastern and Asian. The results showed those from Middle Eastern and Asian backgrounds were considerably less healthy.
“Overall, the odds of being inactive, unfit and having a less healthy diet were significantly higher among children from Middle-Eastern and Asian backgrounds living in low socioeconomic status (SES) areas,” study leader Dr Debra Hector said.
“Almost one in two low SES boys from Asian (45 per cent) and Middle-Eastern backgrounds (40 per cent) were overweight or obese, compared with 25 per cent of boys from English-speaking backgrounds.
“Similarly, overweight and obesity continues to be an issue among Middle-Eastern girls, irrespective of their SES background. These findings are of concern.”
The study pointed to several behaviours that put children at increased risk of developing weight problems including skipping breakfast, drinking too much fruit juice, being rewarded with sweets and regularly eating energy dense, nutrient poor foods.
Dr Hector says the findings suggest the government should look at public health campaigns specifically targeted at Middle Eastern and Asian families.
“Our results indicate the need for obesity prevention initiatives to target children and their families from Middle Eastern and Asian backgrounds who live in low socioeconomic areas,” she said.
“They need to reach, and be culturally appropriate for, children who are most at risk.”
The findings are published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.
