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Original Articles

Overweight among New Zealand adolescents: Associations with ethnicity and deprivation

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Pages 461-466 | Received 01 Sep 2009, Accepted 01 Dec 2009, Published online: 17 Mar 2010
 

Abstract

Objectives. The objectives of the current study are: to describe the prevalence of overweight/obesity among New Zealand adolescents and to describe the demographic characteristics, including neighbourhood deprivation, associated with overweight/obesity. Methods. Data for the current study were collected as part of Youth’07, a national survey of the health and well-being of 9 107 New Zealand secondary school students (approximate ages 13 to 17 years). Students answered a comprehensive, multimedia survey about their health and wellbeing and were weighed and measured for height. Small area deprivation was measured by the New Zealand Deprivation Index, based on the student’s residential address. Results. One in ten adolescents was obese and an additional 24% were overweight. Body size was significantly associated with small area deprivation (p<0.001) and ethnicity (p<0.001). Furthermore, the association between socioeconomic deprivation and body mass index (BMI) was moderated by ethnicity (p=0.035 for interaction term.) A positive association between BMI and socioeconomic deprivation was observed for Pacific students, Māori students and European students, but not for Asian students and students of other ethnicities. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of overweight/obesity among New Zealand adolescents, particularly for Pacific Island adolescents, Māori adolescents, and those living in areas of high deprivation.

Acknowledgements

The Youth’07 study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (grant 05/216), the Department of Labour, the Families Commission, the Accident Compensation Corporation of New Zealand, Sport and Recreation New Zealand, the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand, and the Ministries of Youth Development, Justice and Health. Support for the electronic communication of the Youth’07 project was provided by Vodafone New Zealand. The investigators for Youth’07 are Simon Denny, Shanthi Ameratunga, Terryann Clark, Sue Crengle, Robyn Dixon, Terry Fleming, Sally Merry, Elizabeth Robinson, David Schaaf, Jennifer Utter, and Peter Watson. The Youth’07 Project Team includes: Simon Denny, Sue Grant, Tania Milne, Ruth Herd, Joe Helu and Taciano Milfont.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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