Weight, Body Image & Weight Control
in Navajo Indians
Historically, the Navajo exhibited a low
prevalence of overweight, but a number of small studies over the past
few decades indicate that the prevalence is increasing. In the population-based
Navajo Health and Nutrition Survey conducted in 1991-92, overweight was
defined as a body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) at or above the 85th percentile
(BMI > 27.8 for men, > 27.3 for women) of the Second National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey. One third of men age 20 and 39 and one
half of men age 40 and 59, but fewer than 10 percent of men age 60 and
older were overweight. Two thirds or more of women in all age groups were
overweight. Nineteen percent of the participants underestimated their
weight status (underweight, appropriate, overweight) relative to their
BMI category and 17 percent overestimated their weight status. Women overestimated
their weight status more often than men, and participants age 20-39 overestimated
their weight status more often than older participants. Men and women
age 60 and older preferred heavier body shape models as ideals of health
more often than younger participants. Nearly half of the participants,
regardless of their weight status, reported that they were trying to lose
weight; most reported using diet and exercise. Because overweight is an
important risk factor for many chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus,
cardiovascular disease and cancer, primary prevention of overweight and
weight management for adults are recommended to prevent an increase in
the burden of chronic disease among the Navajo.
Source: White LL, Ballew C, Gilbert TJ,
Mendlein JM, Mokdad AH, Strauss KF. Kayenta Service Unit, Navajo Area
Indian Health Service, Kayenta, AZ, USA. 1997
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