Obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in prepubescent and pubescent black and white females.

A total of 2379 females equally divided between black and white were enrolled at 9 or 10 years of age. Participants were seen yearly for 5 years for a complete medical examination, evaluation of socioeconomic status, and patterns of eating and physical activity. Parents were seen in year 1 and responded to a questionnaire in years 3 and 5. At baseline, black females 9 to 10 years of age were taller and heavier and had greater BMI and skinfold thickness than white females. On the basis of dietary history, black females consumed more total energy and more calories as fat than white females. White females were physically more active and spent less time than black females watching television. More black than white females expressed a desire to be on the fat side, and black mothers were noted to be 20 lb. heavier than white mothers.