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Understanding the Impact of Racial Discrimination on Child Obesity

Understanding the Impact of Racial Discrimination on Child Obesity

Introduction

In the realm of public health, childhood obesity remains a pressing issue, affecting nearly 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States. The recent study titled "Association of Racial Discrimination With Adiposity in Children and Adolescents" sheds light on an often-overlooked factor contributing to this epidemic: racial discrimination. This blog aims to explore the findings of this study and discuss how practitioners, particularly those involved in online therapy services, can leverage these insights to improve outcomes for children.

Study Findings

The study, conducted using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, involved a diverse sample of 6,463 participants aged 9 to 11 years. It assessed the association between self-reported experiences of racial discrimination and adiposity, measured through BMI and waist circumference. The findings revealed that racial discrimination at baseline was associated with higher adiposity one year later, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors.

Key findings include:

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners, particularly those providing online therapy services, these findings underscore the importance of addressing racial discrimination as part of a comprehensive approach to managing childhood obesity. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take:

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms through which racial discrimination affects adiposity. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support research efforts that explore:

Conclusion

Addressing racial discrimination is crucial for reducing obesity disparities and improving health outcomes for children and adolescents. By incorporating these findings into practice, practitioners can play a pivotal role in fostering healthier futures for all children. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Association of Racial Discrimination With Adiposity in Children and Adolescents.


Citation: Cuevas, A. G., Krobath, D. M., Rhodes-Bratton, B., Xu, S., Omolade, J. J., Perry, A. R., & Slopen, N. (2023). Association of racial discrimination with adiposity in children and adolescents. JAMA Network Open, 6(7), e2322839. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22839
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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