H
e a l t h
I m p r o v e m e n t
C o l l a b o r a t i v e
H
e a l t h
I m p r o v e m e n t
C o l l a b o r a t i v e
Obesity
and Health Behaviors
Approximately half of
all causes of mortality in the United States are linked to social and
behavioral factors. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes and
other medical conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart
disease, some forms of cancer, and musculoskeletal problems. The poor
and ethnic minorities are at increased risk for obesity. Poor women
are 1.4-1.6 times more likely to be overweight than are middle and
high-income women. The prevalence of abdominal obesity, which is most
associated with health risk, is 43% in white women, 56% in Black
women and 55% in Latinas. Abdominal obesity accounts for over 10% of
the ethnic differences in risk of diabetes between Black or Latina
and white women. Interventions to increase exercise and promote
healthy diet can decrease the incidence of diabetes in a high-risk
group by as much 58%. But individually-focused programs of behavior
change are often proven ineffective. The Multiple Risk Factor
Intervention Trial Research Group (1982) attempted to change health
behaviors in a high-risk group by applying the best techniques
available, yet results were disappointing. Even when interventions
are effective, relapse is common. Interventions that incorporate
change at community or policy levels may be more effective. Yet
community campaigns may be more successful in changing health risk
behaviors among persons with higher socioeconomic status, increasing
disparities. Interventions that address underlying community problems
and attend to local cultural may be appropriate for and effective in
low income, minority groups.
Visit the RAND
Health
website
depression
diabetes
obesity
violence