Written By: Eboni Baugh, Assistant Professor, Family Life
Sanchez-Johnson, L.A>, Fitzgibbon, M. L., Martinovich, Z., Stolley, M.R., Dyer, A. R. & Van Horn, L. (2004). Obesity Research, 12, 652-660.Obesity in the United States is increasing at astounding rates. Children, adolescents, adults, men, women, and minority groups alike are experiencing obesity now more than another other period of history. Researchers have highlighted that among these groups, Latin American and Black women are at greatest risk for becoming obese. Current literature suggests that the main predictors for obesity among these groups are: (a) dietary intake, (b) physical activity, (c) body image.
The authors conducted the first investigation of a large sample of both Latin American and Black women of varying weights. Most current literature compares a sample of minority women with a sample of White women. Sanchez-Johnson, et. al., examined all three of the above variables with women who self-identified as Latin American or Black.
In order to measure these variables, the authors used the following methods:
* Translated instruments for participants who did not speak English
* Used an acculturation scale to measure influence of majority culture on Latin Americans
* Took weight and height measurements to calculate BMI
* Utilized figure drawings for women to choose current and ideal body shape
* Assessed dietary intake over 24-hour period
* Measure level and intensity of physical activity
The authors concluded that the two samples of women shared some similarities, but actually differed on most variables. The mean ages and income levels were similar, but the Latin American women had fewer years of education and were more likely to be married than were Black women.
As far as risk for obesity, this study suggested that Black women are more at risk for becoming obese than Latin American women. Black women in the study ate a diet consisting of a higher fat intake than any other group. The authors suggested that advertising and marketing in black neighborhoods (i.e., fast foods, convenience stores, etc) were partly to blame for the fatty diet. Latin American women, primarily due to lower levels of acculturation, maintained traditional dietary patterns that consisted of more fiber and whole grains. This type of diet contributes to less risk for obesity.
Questions of physical activity also maintained that Black women were more at risk than Latin American women were for obesity. The prevalence of obesity has been linked to certain sedentary activities, such as watching television. Black women report they watch more television and perform less physical activity than other women do.
Although the Latin American women were physically smaller and had lower BMIs than were the Black women, they reported the most dissatisfaction with their bodies. The Latin American women perceived their current weight as having the greatest discrepancy from their ideal weight. Black women reported being more satisfied with their weights, even those who were obese.
Implications for Extension Faculty
With the rise in obesity rates among all groups, especially the minority populations, it is important to focus on the variables outlined in this study.According to the Florida department of Health (2002), 22.3 % of Florida residents are obese. Currently, we are experiencing increases in obesity among all racial and ethnic groups. Blacks (34.8%), Whites (21.4%), and Hispanics (18.6%) have BMIs of 30 or more, indicating high levels of obesity among all Florida residents.
County Extension faculty should consider the importance of dietary intake, physical activity, and body image when working with individuals and families around the state. Collaborate with parents, families, and schools in order to educate them on the importance of proper dietary intake and physical activity. Also recognizing which groups are at greater risk can lead to the development of more programs and outreach into certain communities.
References
Behavioral Risk Factor Data. Percentages of adults who are obese. (2002). Florida Department of Health.
