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Low‐income children in rural eastern North Carolina: Specific diet and lifestyle factors put them at high risk for obesity

Childhood obesity is concerning, due to comorbidities and increased risk for diseases later in life. We conducted an assessment of environmental factors contributing to obesity to better understand the specific concerns of a high‐risk population group: low‐income parents of young children in rural, eastern North Carolina. Interviewer‐administered surveys in caretakers of children under 18 years old, who visited the local WIC clinic (n=147, mean age: 5.8 years) were conducted. Results revealed that the majority of children (59.1%) had a TV in their bedroom and more screen time than recommended (285 min/d vs. <120 min/d); 47.6% of children reportedly eat meals or snacks during this screen time. Children ate out 1.7 times/wk and drank soda 2.3 times/d, an average reported 8.4 oz/d of soda. Combined with the reported fruit drink and sweetened tea intake, total sugar sweetened beverage intake was estimated to be 28.1 oz/d. Milk consumption was almost as high (26.2 oz/d) but 30% of the children consumed whole milk in spite of the recommendation to use reduced‐fat milk. Although data were caretaker reported and can be assumed to be biased, this needs assessment study provides evidence that intervening on specific eating habits and media usage in children is warranted to support obesity prevention efforts.