OBESITY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH

Obesity in African American Youth

Obesity in African American Youth in Bay View San Francisco, CA

Youth obesity is a serious health issue in African American community in SF; CA. Obesity usually involves many physical, emotional and social issues that persist even into adulthood. According to the World Health Organization report, an estimated 22 million teenagers under five years old are currently obese, and that even developing countries are facing a similar problem (WHO, 2008). Low socio-economic status, minimal health care and poor nutrition practices are few risk factors for childhood obesity. The aim of this paper is to investigate various issues of obesity relating to African American community and to provide best intervention options for management of this epidemic in this community.

Causes of Obesity

The causes of obesity stem from poor eating habits, lack of physical activity and the fact that many families consume on the run quick service or they buy ready-to-eat, low cost, quickly accessible meals to prepare at home because of various reasons - one being income status (Dietz 1998). Other risk factors to include: junk food in the house, soda instead of water consumption, unhealthy versus healthy food, child left at home unsupervised. According to the Centers (or Disease Control (CDC). numerous factors influence overweight and obesity including the behavior, environment and genetics. Studies show that children are spending more time watching TV, using computers and playing video games (CDC 2009). The proximity and availability of food and the limited time devoted to free play and exercise are producing a nation of over fat and obese youth who will eventually become overfat and obese adults. The problem is complex. Researchers have identified many additional factors that play a role in both the pretension and treatment of obesity (Booth et al 2006).

Risk Factors affecting African American Youth

Obesity affects all people - it doesn't discriminate, however obesity seems to affect people of color at an alarming rate. To include the social, political, and economic factors that affect childhood obesity. Some other risk factors to include: a) high blood pressure, b) high cholesterol, c) asthma, d) arthritis, e) general poor health status, f) fat cells, g) early puberty or menarche, eating disorders such as anorexia/bulimia, not to mention the affects of teasing and harassment. The causes of obesity stem from poor eating habits, lack of physical activity and the fact that many families consume on the run quick service or they buy ready-to-eat, low cost, quickly accessible meals to prepare at home because of various reasons - one being income status. Other risk factors to include: junk food in the house, soda instead of water consumption, unhealthy versus healthy food, child left at home unsupervised (Veldtman el al 2000). Differences in physiology and body composition may also predispose certain groups (e.g., African Americans) to becoming overweight (Booth et al 2006). African Americans tend to have more mesomorphic body types with shorter trunks and longer extremities compared to Whites. In addition, African Americans have a disproportionate deposition ...