The prevalence of childhood obesity among elementary school children in Springfield, Missouri

Background. Overweight and obesity among children is an increasing problem influenced by factors such as sex, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Methods. Body mass index (BMI) and body mass index for-age-percentiles was used to calculate weight status of children’s enrolled in kindergarten and grades one, three, and five at one of 37 public elementary schools in Springfield, Missouri. The ANCOVA analysis was used to determine change in obesity prevalence by adjusting for school and community level factors associated with childhood obesity. Results. Free or reduced-price lunch eligibility and bachelor’s degree was associated with obesity prevalence for schools in the top quartile for obesity prevalence. The racial/ethnic composition of the school did not influential the overall obesity prevalence at the school and community level. Zip code areas 65802 and 65803 had the most number of schools that were in the top quartile for overweight and, obesity. Conclusion. SES defined as “percent receiving free or reduced-price lunch eligibility,” and the “percent of the community with a bachelor’s degree” were the only factors examined that had moderate impact on obesity prevalence