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Prevalence Estimates of Overweight in Head Start Preschoolers
October 2009
October 2009
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Abstract
This study estimates prevalence of overweight and at risk of overweight among low-income
predominately non-Hispanic Black Head Start Mississippi preschoolers. A two-stage
stratified probability design produced a representative sample of 1,250 preschoolers
aged 3 to 5 years. Height, weight, age, gender, and race data were obtained. The prevalence
of overweight (20.6%) and at risk of overweight (17.9%) combined was 38.5%. Moreover,
highest rates were found in boys, non-Hispanic Blacks, and 5-year-olds. The prevalence
of overweight in Mississippi Head Start children exceeds national averages, reinforcing
the need for early-childhood health promotion and prevention.