Clinical and social factors associated with excess weight in Hispanic and non-Hispanic White children

Hispanic children are disproportionately affected by obesity, with this disparity starting at a young age, and there is a paucity of data comparing factors associated with excess weight in the first year of life in Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic populations. Excess weight was defined as weight-for-length ≥95th percentile. The associations of potential risk factors were compared by ethnicity stratification. Of the 1009 children, 302 (30.0%) were Hispanic and 707 (70.0%) were non-Hispanic White. The rate of excess weight was 30.1% and 13.6% among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White children, respectively. Factors associated with excess weight for non-Hispanic White children were higher than recommended weight gain during pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) 1.8 (1.2–3.1)), higher paternal body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.1 (1.02–1.15)), higher birth weight (OR 1.001 (1.001–1.002)), and lower breast milk feedings at 6 months (OR 0.98 (0.96–0.98)). Factors associated with excess weight for Hispanic children were lower maternal education (OR 2.37 (1.1–4.5)) and lower breast milk feedings at 6 months (OR 0.98 (0.96–0.99)). There are differential risk factors associated with excess weight at 12 months between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White children. Identification of differential factors in different ethnicities may allow for more targeted anticipatory guidance reduce obesity in at-risk populations.