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Oregon Research Institute

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Physical Activity of African American, Latino, and White Girls

Girls Active Lifestyles Study (GALS)

Dr. Duncan and her team examined change in physical activity over time among African American, Latina and White girls, and the influence of individual, family, peer, school, and neighborhood factors on physical activity.

Principal

Co Investigators

Nigel Chaumeton

Details

There is a need for comprehensive, well-designed research to establish the etiology of physical activity among girls from different ethnic groups. Investigators examined change in physical activity over time among African American, Latino, and White girls, and the influence of individual, family and home, peer, school, and neighborhood factors on physical activity. Results of this study greatly improved our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying physical activity across Latino, African American, and White girls, and will ultimately inform the design and implementation of effective physical activity programs for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls.

PROJECT PERIOD

4/5/10 - 3/31/16

FUNDING AGENCY

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

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Did You Know?

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States, 2011-2014

The prevalence of obesity has remained fairly stable at about 17% and affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents.

The prevalence of obesity was higher among Hispanics (21.9%) and non-Hispanic blacks (19.5%) than among non-Hispanic whites (14.7%).

The prevalence of obesity was lower in non-Hispanic Asian youth (8.6%) than in youth who were non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, or Hispanic.

The prevalence of obesity was 8.9% among 2- to 5-year-olds compared with 17.5% of 6- to 11-year-olds and 20.5% of 12- to 19-year-olds. Childhood obesity is also more common among certain populations.

The prevalence of obesity among non-Hispanic Asian youth (8.6%) was lower than among non-Hispanic white (14.7%), non-Hispanic black (19.5%), and Hispanic (21.9%) youth. The prevalence of obesity among non-Hispanic white youth was lower than in non-Hispanic black and Hispanic youth, but no significant difference was observed between non-Hispanic black and Hispanic youth.

(Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2015).

What You Can Do

Set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle yourself.
Make physical activity part of your family's daily routine by taking family walks or playing active games together.
Give your children equipment that encourages physical activity.
Take young people to places where they can be active, such as public parks, community baseball fields or basketball courts.
Be positive about the physical activities in which your child participates and encourage them to be interested in new activities.
Make physical activity fun. Fun activities can be anything your child enjoys, either structured or non-structured. Activities can range from team sports or individual sports to recreational activities such as walking, running, skating, bicycling, swimming, playground activities or free-time play.

(Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2015).

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