The vicious cycle of inactivity, obesity, and metabolic health consequences in at-risk pediatric populations

Restricted until 26 Apr. 2012.PURPOSE: This dissertation examined the associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, overweight, and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in at-risk pediatric populations in the United States and in China. Study 1 identified the independent influences of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and other weight-related correlates on overweight status in Chinese youth. Study 2 explored the influences of physical activity and sedentary behavior on MetS in US minority youth. Study 3 compared the longitudinal trends of physical activity and sedentary behavior between youth with and without MetS in a sample of US minority female youth.; METHODS: Participants were youth (ages 8-18 years) in the United States and in China. Study 1 used baseline data from of a longitudinal smoking prevention and health promotion study conducted in the 7 large cities in China for Chinese youth ages 11-18 years. Study 2 used baseline data from three related pediatric obesity studies that share a set of common methods and measures (US Latino and African American youth ages 8-18 years). Data for Study 3 are from a longitudinal, observation study for Latina and African American female youth ages 8-11 years at baseline.; RESULTS: In Study 1, Chinese youth were more likely to be overweight if they spent more time being sedentary, slept