6.14 Influence of Race on Daily Physical Activity Rhythms in Adolescents

Obesity and related health conditions are among the leading preventable causes of death and pose significant social and economic burdens. Adolescence is a critical period for the onset and maintenance of obesity due to developmental changes in dietary patterns, physical activity levels and fitness, and metabolism and fat distribution. African-American (AA) females have higher rates of obesity compared with other ethnic/racial groups, even after accounting for variations in socioeconomic status. The reasons for these ethnic/racial differences are not clear.