Obesity Rates in Latino Kids Increased by Easier Access to Sugary & Fatty Food Choices: Study

Latino children who have easier access to sugary and fatty foods because of fast food chains in their neighborhoods are more likely to be obese. Adding to the obesity rates are schools not giving kids access to healthier food choices, a report by Salud! America reveals.

High caloric foods, eating habits and a semi-sedentary lifestyle can greatly contribute to childhood obesity rates in the U.S.  According to ObesityAction.org, in addition to lack of physical activity and low socioeconomic status, environment also plays a huge role in the habits of children. The researchers found a connection between childhood obesity rates and prevalence of nearby fast food venues.

The report also notes that schools attended by the Latin majority have lax policies about sugary and fatty foods in the institution.

"Schools with a higher proportion of Latino students tend to have weaker policies regarding access to competitive foods in schools, and may be less likely to implement nutritional guidelines for competitive foods," the authors wrote.

NBC News also notes that neighborhoods composed mainly by Latinos are not following the healthy food initiative in schools championed by First Lady Michelle Obama.

However, there are ways to help slow the increasing obesity epidemic.

"We're encouraging schools to do away with their vending machines, and options like that, because children are surrounded by unnecessarily high caloric food," Dr. Amelie Ramirez, director of Salud! America, told the outlet. "Also within close proximity of these schools are convenience stores and fast food restaurants that also contribute to the increase in our Latino students' weight."

The researchers recommend introducing new policies that are strictly enforced to every grade to reduce the students' access to high-calorie fast food and sugary beverages during school days. Additionally, children, especially Latinos, should be encouraged to have extracurricular engagement that involves physical activities. Compliance should also be strictly implemented.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is most prevalent among Hispanic children and adolescents in the U.S. Overall, obesity affects around 12.7 million or 17 percent of children and adolescents in the country.