Question

Obesity is a national epidemic that must be addressed from a variety of directions and levels. What key points need to be included when developing an effective plan that recognizes the social and cultural differences found in families across the United States?

Answer 1

Plan/program to fight obesity should consider cultural, society and family preferences. Say for example, physical activity, dance program has good acceptance in African American girls and so is resistance training for boys. In white, middle class family, family support for lifestyle changes produces results. Also, obese white adolescents respond better to combination of behavioural therapy and medications for weight loss compared to obese black adolescents.

Culture influences risk of obesity and the disparity can be partly accounted to culture.

However additonal studies with accurate measurements are required to come to a conclusion. Nevertheless, these results cannot be ignored and a plan which recognizes these differences and is custom made for more acceptance can only see results.