Ecological Differences in Weight, Length, and Weight for Length of Mexican American Children in the WIC Program

PURPOSE.  Examine factors common in the environments of children who obtain services from a WIC program to determine if differences in ecological/environmental factors can be found in the children who differ in weight , length , and weight for length.
DESIGN AND METHODS.  Cross-sectional study of 300 children , 100 each who were stunted , normal weight for length , or overweight. Instruments used were NCATS , ARSMA II , 24-hr diet recall , and Baecke Activity Questionnaire.
RESULTS.  Significant differences were present in children's diet , parents' BMI , parents' generation in United States , parents' activity levels , and maternal–child relationship.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Encourage parents to adopt family approaches to encourage normal body size in children.