Obesity prevalence and health interventions among African Americans in NYC

Obesity Prevalence

Obesity is a contributing factor to various chronic diseases in the contemporary society. It is a global problem that affects close to 300 million people all over the world. A third of the population in the United States is obese. Obesity is often associated with an increase in the cost of healthcare; a reduction in quality of life as well as an increase in the risk of premature death. Obesity prevalence is increasing in both developing and developed nations. In the United States obesity prevalence is on a record high. This is a serious problem as it can be a predisposing factor of diseases like diabetes, cancers, and diseases of the heart. The paper will look at obesity among African-Americans in NYC. It will also look at the etiology and epidemiology of obesity (Racette, Deusinger & Deusinger, 2012).I t will further look at whether or not obesity affects specific population depending on their age, race or socioeconomic status. It will finally look at the health interventions which aim to help in the control as well as prevention of the spread of obesity.

Etiology

Obesity results from behavioral, physiological, genetic, social as well as cultural factors resulting to an imbalance in energy hence promoting deposition of excess fat. In cases where there is an excess in the fat or calorific intake normally caused by a higher calorific intake as compared to the needs of the body. This will results to the accumulation of excess fats thus leading to development of obesity. If one leads a sedentary lifestyle they are at a high risk of obesity .limited physical activity affects the body's general health hence leading to the development of obesity. Obesity can also develop as a result of genetics. If there are some members of a family have been diagnosed with obesity then there is a likelihood of other members of the same family being diagnosed with obesity too in cases where both parents are obese then it is more likely that two third of the children bore from these parents will develop diabetes. Metabolic disorders such as minor differences in the basal metabolism can also be a predisposing factor to obesity. There are some medications which to gaining of weight in cases that the weight is not compensated through activities or dietary intake. Lack of sleep can also lead to obesity since there can be a change in the hormones which lead to an increase in appetite (Racette, Deusinger & Deusinger, 2012).

Treatment

The main goal when it comes to treatment of obesity is achievement and maintenance of a weight loss that is clinically meaningful. The ultimate goal of this is reduction of risks for severe occurrence of diseases, functional limitations and impairments as a result of obesity. The therapeutic treatments of obese patients should involve approaches that influence behavioral change as well as other strategies which are creative that facilitate follow through that is long-term and consistent. Some of the approaches are such as the reduction in energy diets, modification of behavior, physical exercises and pharmacotherapy. The choice of treatment often depends on obesity degree in a patient, presence of comorbidites, weight loss therapies that one has been previously involved in .Dietary interventions are the basis for the reduction of the total energy taken in by the body. Behavioral modifications target the identification of stimuli which acts as a signal of unhealthy behaviors, learning importance of a continued positive behavior and finally the recognition of barriers that can lead to a compromise in healthy pursuits. Pharmacological agents are often used together with treatments such as exercise, diet and behavioral strategies. This is often in cases where the non-pharmacological strategies do not lead to a weight loss that is sustainable. Surgery can only be used as a treatment method in cases where obesity is extreme.

Obesity is a very chronic and dangerous disease, a predisposing factor to many health disorders. There should therefore be measures that will help eliminate obesity from the society once and for all. It has been concluded that a multidimensional approach is what is required for dealing with obesity successfully.