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Race/Ethnic and Nativity Disparities in Child Overweight in the United States and England

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  • Melissa L. Martinson
  • Sara McLanahan
  • Jeanne Brooks-Gunn

Abstract

Child overweight is a growing problem in wealthy countries. There is also evidence that child overweight varies by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. In this article, the authors use data from two recent birth cohort studies in the United States and England to address four questions: (1) Are race/ethnic and immigrant status associated with child overweight? (2) Is the association between socioeconomic status and child overweight similar across race/ethnic and nativity subgroups? (3) Does the age of immigrant mothers at migration moderate the association between immigrant status and child overweight? and (4) Does maternal obesity mediate the association between race/ethnicity and nativity and child overweight? Findings indicate that (1) race/ethnicity and immigrant status are risk factors for child overweight in both countries, (2) the influence of socioeconomic status differs by subgroup, (3) mother’s age at migration does not moderate the association, and (4) mother’s obesity mediates some of the race/ethnic disparities in child overweight.

Suggested Citation

  • Melissa L. Martinson & Sara McLanahan & Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, 2012. "Race/Ethnic and Nativity Disparities in Child Overweight in the United States and England," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 643(1), pages 219-238, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:643:y:2012:i:1:p:219-238
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716212445750
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Balistreri, K.S. & Van Hook, J., 2009. "Socioeconomic status and body mass index among hispanic children of immigrants and children of natives," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(12), pages 2238-2246.
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    3. Franco Sassi, 2010. "Obesity and the Economics of Prevention," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 14244.
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    5. Margot Jackson & Sara McLanahan & Kathleen Kiernan, 2009. "Mothers' Investments in Child Health in the U.S. and U.K.: A Comparative Lens on the Immigrant 'Paradox'," Working Papers 1210, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    6. Kimbro, R.T. & Brooks-Gunn, J. & McLanahan, S., 2007. "Racial and ethnic differentials in overweight and obesity among 3-year-old children," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(2), pages 298-305.
    7. Van Hook, Jennifer & Stamper Balistreri, Kelly, 2007. "Immigrant generation, socioeconomic status, and economic development of countries of origin: A longitudinal study of body mass index among children," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(5), pages 976-989, September.
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