Obesity Disparities: Understanding the Cultural and Ethnic Factors and Strategies for Addressing Them in Your Community

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

In a well-written discussion post address the following:
Why are some cultural/ethnic groups disproportionately affected by obesity?
Identify your culture. Then, list three actions that can be taken to address this obesity in your culture.
Use the clinical guidelines to support your response.
Submission Instructions:
Your initial post should be at least 750 words, formatted, and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.

HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)

A number of variables, including genetics, environment, behavior, and cultural and racial background, all have an impact on obesity. However, obesity disproportionately affects some cultural and racial groups, placing a serious health burden on these communities. In this discussion post, I will examine the reasons why particular cultural and ethnic groups are more likely to struggle with obesity and offer three solutions for my cultural group.

My ethnic heritage is South Asian, which is known to have higher incidence of obesity and related health issues. People from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives are considered to be South Asians. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that South Asians are more likely to have metabolic syndrome, a conglomeration of diseases that includes diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Around 60% of South Asians are overweight or obese, which is greater than the incidence of obesity among other ethnic groups (Misra et al., 2019).

The causes of various cultural/ethnic groups’ higher obesity rates are complicated and multifactorial. The environment, which includes availability to healthy dietary alternatives, chances for physical activity, and cultural norms and practices, is one of the major drivers. For instance, South Asian food tends to be poor in protein and fiber and high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. Cultural customs like eating food to mark special occasions and leading sedentary lifestyles may also be to blame for rising obesity rates.

The following three steps can be implemented to combat obesity among my cultural group, South Asians:

Promoting healthy food and lifestyle changes: It’s critical to inform South Asians about the value of a balanced diet and regular exercise. Culturally relevant education and resources that promote healthy eating and active lifestyles should be made available by health professionals and community leaders. This can involve educating people about nutritious food options, boosting physical activity, and highlighting good cooking techniques.

Making a supporting environment: Addressing obesity in South Asians requires making a supportive environment for healthy living. For instance, neighborhood restaurants may offer healthy selections, and community facilities may give opportunity for exercise. Cultural holidays and activities can also include healthy food alternatives and exercise to encourage healthy habits.

Early diagnosis and treatment of problems connected to obesity: Obesity-related diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome can be identified and treated early to help prevent complications and improve outcomes. Individuals who are at risk or who have developed obesity-related illnesses should receive frequent health exams and proper management from healthcare specialists.

Clinical guidelines advise a comprehensive strategy that includes food, physical activity, behavioral treatment, and pharmaceutical management to complement these measures. For instance, to prevent and treat diseases linked to obesity, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists suggests a complete lifestyle intervention that includes food counseling, increased physical activity, and behavior adjustment (Garvey et al., 2016).

In conclusion, cultural and ethnic characteristics have a big impact on how obesity develops and is treated. My South Asian cultural group may assist address this mounting health concern by promoting good eating practices and lifestyle modifications, fostering a supportive atmosphere, and early detection and management of obesity-related diseases. The clinical guidelines offer suggestions for a comprehensive strategy for avoiding and treating problems linked to obesity. We can enhance our community’s health and wellbeing by doing these things.

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