Unhealthy Weight among Children in Spain: The Role of the Home Environment

• In Event: 434 - Section on Children and Youth Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Section on Children and Youth Roundtables (one-hour). Table 01. Contextual Influences on Health and Obesity Among Youth

Abstract

While obesity is a major health concern around the world, the causes of obesity remain unclear. This study focuses on childhood obesity in Spain and on the origins of obesity within the home environment, which is believed to be the most important locus of child health. Given concerns about the impact of recent economic crises, we consider the coexistence of underweight and obesity. Using a nationally representative survey from 2010, we examine unhealthy weight in children ages 5-10 years. Results show high prevalence of both underweight and obesity, with only 46% of children at normal weight. Both underweight and obesity are higher among boys than girls and among children with heavy and unemployed parents; obesity is higher among children of mothers who are older and less educated and among children of immigrants. There is evidence that daycare attendance at early ages may be protective against both underweight and obesity.

Authors

• Elizabeth Vaquera, University of South Florida

• Solveig Argeseanu Cunningham, Emory University

• Pau Mari-Klose, University of Chicago

• Marga Mari-Klose, University of Barcelona