Obesity Hispanic Population
Obesity means more than just being overweight. It should not be taken for granted because it is a medical condition in which the extra fat of the body accumulates at different sites and causes negative effects on the health of the person (Haslam and James, 2005). This leads to various health problems and thus reduces the quality of life and expectancy. When the body mass index, commonly referred to as BMI in medical terms, of a person becomes greater than 30 kg/m2, he or she is labeled as obese (WHO, 2009).
Although the incidence of obesity is increasing the world over, in this paper we shall consider the trends that have currently been observed in the Hispanic population in America regarding the health problems related to obesity and obesity as a health problem itself.
According to a WHO report, among Mexican women in America, 78% of them have been labeled as overweight or obese, in comparison with the non-Hispanic White women whose overall percentage of obese women is 60.3%. In 2010, it was reported that Hispanic-Americans are 1.2 times more likely to be labeled obese than the non-Hispanic White Americans.
In a study that was conducted in 2009-2010, it was found out that the Mexican-American children were 1.6 times more likely to be labeled overweight as compared to the non-Hispanic White American children.
According to the data obtained from 2007-2010, it was discovered that Mexican-American women were 40% more likely to become overweight when compared to the non-Hispanic White Americans (CDC, 2012).
Therefore, there is an urgent need to make the Hispanic population aware of the detrimental effects of obesity so that they can alter their life style and habits to lead a healthy life.
Prevention and Cure of Obesity in Hispanic Population
Because of obesity, or otherwise, the Hispanic population is on the risk of having diabetes, hypertension, asthma and cardiac problems that can prove to be silent killers for them.
Since statistics have made it clear that the Hispanic population needs to help to make sure that obesity is eradicated from their population, a community-based behavioral analysis needs to be done. It is necessary for the researchers to involve themselves in the Hispanic culture so that they can find out ways to help them out. Although, a good amount of short-term studies have been carried out related to weight management, they have not proved to be helpful in management if weight in the minority populations. It is established that fact that it is indeed not very easy to recruit the minority populations as it is to recruit the White Americans. Moreover, the Hispanic participants who join this program, drop out from it more often these people lose way less weight than the weight participants (Flegal et l., 1988).
Factors associated with obesity
We should now see the factors that have been associated with obesity in the Hispanic population. The first and most important factor is poverty. It has always been the driving force behind any culture. The common trend is that the rich people are skinny whereas the poor people are obese (Sobal and Stankard, 1989)
Then we should consider acculturation. When the Hispanic population assumes that the values pertaining to the while people can be applied on them as well, they end up becoming obese. These people are known to consume more fried meals and less fruit at the same time. Moreover, the because of the low socioeconomic status of these people, they have less low-fat dietary practices. In general, the Hispanic people are known to eat a less varied diet and at the same time they eat a great deal of meat as compared to white people.
Other factors that play a role in obesity are maternal nutrition knowledge and feeding practices. Furthermore another factor that has come into play is cultural beliefs and values like fatalismo. This implies to the very common idea of the Hispanic population that whatever happens, just happens. They do not mind getting a disease, for example diabetes, which has a familial trend. Language barrier is yet another important factor.
What can be done?
We need to figure out ways to improve cultural sensitivity and relevance. The first and foremost thing that needs to be done is the comprehension of the cultural differences that exist.
There is a need to emphasize on the factors like hypertension and diabetes rather than targeting obesity and weight directly. Then we need to inculcate food preferences that are culturally based along with being healthy food choices.
We need to bring into our knowledge the “food pyramid” that will relate to special dietary needs. For instance, the food pyramid that does not have anything to do with a population that does not consume many vegetables, just like the Hispanic population who do not consume many vegetables. There was an occasion when a dietitian, who was demonstrating what a healthy diet should like, brought with her a bowl of Salad, and a grandfather said to that woman get those weeds out of this place.
Thirdly, we need to work with extended families. For example we need to focus on a grandmother who is the head of the family instead of going to each member of the family individually. This is the approach that has been adopted by the therapists who are bilingual and live in the Hispanic culture.
Economic Impact of Obesity in the Latino Community
Needless to say, obesity and the health related problems tend to pose an unequal economic burden when it comes to health care costs for almost all the states throughout the country. Moreover, the Hispanic families also have to work day and day out to cover for the costs of the diseased people in their families. Many of these Hispanic families do not even have the financial resources to afford health insurance and to take treatment. When treatment is not accessible to these people, they suffer from chronic diseases that are a result of obesity. Where most of these people cannot afford treatment, many states are not able to provide these people with the proper medical treatment for the diseases that result from obesity and to take educational initiatives that can help reduce the rate of obesity in the country in general and Hispanic population in particular.
Furthermore, obesity can also have negative effects on the progression of the economy by impacting the productivity at the workplace. Since obese individuals are poor in health, they can be less productive at their workplace (Trogdon, Finkelstein, Hylands, Dellea, and Kamal-Bahl, 2008). For instance there has been a debate that increased rates of absenteeism along with other indirect costs for the employers can be because of obesity. There is another example in which it is argued that when the obese people work at an organization, there are chances for them to claim more money for their health benefits as compared to the people who are not having any such issues. This makes it more costly for the organization to hire these people. On the other hand, some people debate that if obesity is considered a factor while recruiting new workers, it could limit employment opportunities for them that might then lead to discrimination.
According to the International Journal of Obesity, it is reported that discrimination on the basis of weight has risen up to 66% in the past ten years. According to another study, discrimination against the obese people to be at certain commonplaces and institutions was more prevalent than even gender or race discrimination.
Financial Burden
Since obesity causes so many health problems, it complications become a financial burden or the state and at federal levels. According to a study that was conducted in 2002, obesity is likely to be more of a financial burden on American health care than drinking and smoking. It has been reported that the obese people are likely to spend 36% more on health care services, and when they are on medication they are likely to spend 77% more than the healthy individuals. These percentages are even greater than those for the smokers and chronic alcoholics (Journal Study on Health Affairs).
The national expenditure on overweight and obesity accounted for about 9.1% of the total annual medical expenditures, according to a study that was carried out in 1998.
Intervention Strategies
The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery have suggested that the gastric bypass surgeries are known to reduce the size of the stomach. The reduced stomach is then reconstructed with the middle of the small intestines so as to bypass the small intestine that is responsible for absorbing most of the calories. Therefore, the patients who have undergone this surgery tend to eat less and absorb fewer calories.
The surgical interventions are known to reduce the body mass faster than any other method. It should be noted that not all the obese people are suitable for such surgeries. One of the other benefits of these surgical procedures is that it saves the long standing cost of medicines and other health care services that the obese people have to reach for because of their chronic diseases. The life expectancy of these people is also prolonged and they are able to lead a healthier life. People who are not suitable for the surgical intervention should be given other treatments.
Social Marketing
Social marketing can play a major role for the prevention and cure of obesity in the Hispanic population. More people need to get involved in this community-based problem so that they can target the specific populations in specific areas. People should be made aware of the hazardous impacts of obesity on their health. They should be given live demonstration so they know exactly what the therapists are talking about. Awareness campaigns need to be launched at a more extensive level. However, before all these awareness campaigns and social marketing strategies, it is important to educate the people of the Hispanic population. If they are not educated than these measures will be of no benefit for them as well as for the state.
Conclusion
Since the number and severity of complications that can result from obesity is actually, there is a need for the government and other stake holders to help bring the Hispanic population out of this crisis. Not just the government, but also the business leaders as well as private and non-private sectors have to divert their special attention towards this issue. Effective strategies can be figured out if all the political parties in the country collaborate at a big level. We need to realize that this is important because the lives of millions of people along with their financial solvency are at stake because of obesity. It will not be wrong if we say that reduction of obesity in the Hispanic population will greatly reduce the rates of chronic diseases that will result in a decrease in health care costs at the state and federal level.
This roadmap will definitely provide a way put for the development of opportunities and initiatives that will then address the crisis of obesity and its health related problems in not in the Hispanic population but all communities throughout the country.
Bibliography:
CDC (2012). Health United States, 2011. Table 74.
Flegal, K.M., Harlan, W.R. & Landis, J.R. (1988). Secular trends in body mass index and skinfold thickness with socioeconomic factors in young adult men. Am J. Clin Nutr, 48(3):544-51.
Haslam, D.W. & James, W.P. (2005). “Obesity.” Lancet 366 (9492): 1197 — 209.
Journal Study on Health affairs: Health Affairs, published by Project HOPE, is a bimonthly journal devoted to publishing the leading edge in health policy thought and research.
Sobal, J & Stunkard, A.J. (1989). Socioeconomic status and obesity: a review of the literature. Psychol Bull;105(2):260-75.
Trogdon, J.G., Finkelstein, E.A., Hylands, T.P., Dellea, S. & Kamal-Bahl, S.J. (2008) “Indirect Costs of Obesity: A Review of the Current Literature.” Obesity Reviews 9, no. 5:489-500.
WHO 2000 p.9
Get Professional Assignment Help Cheaply
Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?
Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.
Why Choose Our Academic Writing Service?
- Plagiarism free papers
- Timely delivery
- Any deadline
- Skilled, Experienced Native English Writers
- Subject-relevant academic writer
- Adherence to paper instructions
- Ability to tackle bulk assignments
- Reasonable prices
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Get superb grades consistently
Online Academic Help With Different Subjects
Literature
Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.
Finance
Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.
Computer science
Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!
Psychology
While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.
Engineering
Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.
Nursing
In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.
Sociology
Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.
Business
We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!
Statistics
We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.
Law
Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.
What discipline/subjects do you deal in?
We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.
Are your writers competent enough to handle my paper?
Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.
What if I don’t like the paper?
There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.
Reasons being:
- When assigning your order, we match the paper’s discipline with the writer’s field/specialization. Since all our writers are graduates, we match the paper’s subject with the field the writer studied. For instance, if it’s a nursing paper, only a nursing graduate and writer will handle it. Furthermore, all our writers have academic writing experience and top-notch research skills.
- We have a quality assurance that reviews the paper before it gets to you. As such, we ensure that you get a paper that meets the required standard and will most definitely make the grade.
In the event that you don’t like your paper:
- The writer will revise the paper up to your pleasing. You have unlimited revisions. You simply need to highlight what specifically you don’t like about the paper, and the writer will make the amendments. The paper will be revised until you are satisfied. Revisions are free of charge
- We will have a different writer write the paper from scratch.
- Last resort, if the above does not work, we will refund your money.
Will the professor find out I didn’t write the paper myself?
Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.
What if the paper is plagiarized?
We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.
When will I get my paper?
You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.
Will anyone find out that I used your services?
We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.
How our Assignment Help Service Works
1. Place an order
You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.
2. Pay for the order
Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.
3. Track the progress
You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.
4. Download the paper
The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.
PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!
