Virtual Education Series:
Understanding and Addressing Obesity Disparities in the U.S.
Overall Project Goal
Obesity is a serious disease that impacts millions of Americans. In fact, the US obesity prevalence was 42.4% in 2017 – 2018 and the number of Americans affected by obesity has grown significantly. According to the CDC, the prevalence of obesity increased from 30.5% to 42.4%, and the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%” from 1999-2019. Obesity can also lead to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. More than 100 million Americans – nearly half of all U.S. adults – suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes, while one in three U.S. children born after 2000 is expected to develop Type 2 diabetes. However, like most chronic conditions in the U.S., obesity disproportionately impacts marginalized communities of color. African Americans (49.6%) had the highest age-adjusted prevalence of obesity, followed by Hispanics (44.8%), and whites (42.2%). JAMA has recently reported: “For the first time in American history, life expectancies are falling, with declines for three consecutive years due in part to significant increases in midlife mortality from diet-related diseases". This three-part virtual education series explores obesity disparities, how obesity disease disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, and steps for building healthier communities. The educational series begins with a review of the disease, the associated stigmas, and common misconceptions. Part 2 of the series specifically explorers the factors that make obesity more prevalent in marginalized communities, including a discussion on social and political determinants of health. Part 3 of the educational series provides the latest trends and insights in rooting out obesity disparities to create healthier thriving communities.
Part 1: Understanding Obesity as a Disease
Part 2: Exploring Obesity Disparities in Marginalized Groups
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