Nearly a third of American Indian preschool children are obese, according to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine on Monday.

Researchers looked at height and weight data on 8,550 preschoolers who were born in 2001. They found that 31.2 percent of Indian children are obese, the highest of any racial or ethnic group.

The study, conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, did not examine the reasons for the disparities. But one doctor who wasn't involved suggested diabetes, poverty, diet and education levels of parents contribute to high rates of obesity.

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Study finds 1 in 5 obese among 4-year-olds (AP 4/7)

Health Study:
Prevalence of Obesity Among US Preschool Children in Different Racial and Ethnic Groups (April 2009)