Health disparities and obesity | Your Health Journal

From JAAPA?..

Although the rates of obesity have risen in all categories of adults, the rates are disproportionately higher for African Americans. Obesity is most prevalent among black females, followed by black males, white males, and white females.

Research has shown a higher prevalence of obesity among black, Hispanic, and low socioeconomic status youth, correlating with a lower proportion of youth from these groups who regularly eat breakfast or exercise and a higher proportion who watch excessive television. In addition to nutrition and levels of physical exercise, family and environmental factors seem to play a significant role in obesity.

In the US, childhood obesity has become a public health problem, a crisis, an epidemic. More than one-third of young people are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity has tripled since 1980.

Although the cause of childhood obesity is multifactorial, studies indicate that socioeconomic status, demographics, race, and ethnicity are among the disparities implicated. Obesity disproportionately affects those who are least able to afford health care. Although the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased among all racial and ethnic subgroups over the years, the increase has been more pronounced for communities of color and in the South.

Multiple initiatives are addressing childhood obesity, but more focused efforts will be needed to affect the gaping disparities fueling this epidemic. Childhood obesity can cause immediate health problems, leading to chronic health conditions. Early preventive measures, education, and eliminating the disparities will be essential to reverse the trending up of childhood obesity.

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Source: http://www.lensaunders.com/wp/?p=7807

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