Childhood Obesity affects all children, but more so minority children. According to the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2014), there are significant racial and age disparities in obesity prevalence among children and adolescents.
Here is the obesity prevalence for the following groups:
Hispanics 22.4%
non-Hispanic black youth 20.2%
non-Hispanic white youth 14.1%
It should also be noted the prevalence of obesity was lower in non-Hispanic asian youth (8.6%) compared to youth who were non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic (CDC, 2014).
Sekhar (2010) states some of the factors that affect obesity rates in Hispanic and black communities include eating patterns and accessibility to healthy food choices, lower levels of exercise, quality of environment, social or cultural attitudes around body weight, and reduced access to primary care or nutritional counseling. In addition, these factors may be driven by income, culture, and other dynamics that result in a disproportionate rate of obesity among black and Hispanic youth (Sekhar, 2010).
What can we do to reduce these disparities?
I believe by having some kind of wellness plan that is delivered through community centers would be a great first step in combating childhood obesity. These centers would be in minority and low-income areas. Nutritional counseling would be provided along with weight management and recommendations for physical activity.
There is good news ...
Obesity and extreme obesity among U.S. low-income, preschool-aged children went down for the first time in recent years, according to a CDC study (CDC, 2014).
Let's Move
The Let's Move Campaign addresses the obesity epidemic for all children and has made great strides in combating the disease. However, it does not specifically address the racial and ethnic disparities. According to Sekhar (2010), a more highly targeted effort is needed to address the gaping racial and ethnic disparities that exist in the realm.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood obesity facts. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
Sekhar, S. (2010). The significance of childhood obesity in communities of color. Retrieved from http://www.americanprogress.org/
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that minority children were more susceptible to obesity than non-minority children. It is interesting that a health concern can have so many cultural and socioeconomic influences that cause them to be more prevalent among certain populations. From the information you shared it seems that there has been recent improvements in the obesity issue among children in the U.S. As health educators we often see the trends of a potential health issue before it become the main focus of society and the policy change. I hope that we continue to see improvements in the health of our nation and that we learn from our pasts to have a healthier future as a nation.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI also find it quite interesting that obesity is a hot topic among all ethnicities, but affects them in a disproportionate way. We are inundated with statistics about all children, but rarely do we hear how dire it is in different communities. I thought you brought an interesting perspective to the table and offered solutions. I would also like to know if there are specific resources for different ethnicities.
Thanks for sharing a new perspective!
Ashley
I am not surprised to see that Hispanics have the highest percentage of obese children, I felt like I noticed it while working in the low income school area of Dallas. I agree with everything Sekhar states on the factors affecting the obesity rates. It is important that we teach children to eat healthy because once we become adults, I believe it is harder to change our eating patterns.
ReplyDeleteMy blog this week very closely mirrors much of what you've discussed here, Lauren. One of the most compelling issues for families experiencing food insecurity (especially those families with children) is the side effect of obesity. As you know, this is due to limited options for healthy, affordable foods. Because food insecurity is a much greater problem in low-income communities, minority populations are more significantly affected by this issue. It's a serious problem, and it's going to take a lot of work, in a lot of areas (an increase to the minimum wage would be a very good start!) to see improvements. Thanks for your post.
ReplyDelete