Oral

Obesity rates have been on the rise over the past three decades. The high prevalence of obesity has produced a major burden of obesity related illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. For women, obesity has also been associated with arthritis, infertility, post-menopausal breast cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Given the dramatic increases in obesity among Latinos with each generation in the United States, the design of obesity prevention interventions that are culturally appropriate and take into account limited community resources are necessary within the Latino community. Additionally, parents play an essential role in the treatment of childhood obesity through advancing good dietary behaviors and increased physical activity. This session defines culturally tailored obesity prevention interventions across the life stages that promote family-centered, community-oriented positive dietary and physical activity behavior changes within a cultural context.

Session Objectives: By the end of this panel, the participants will be able to: 1) Identify facilitators and barriers to participation in physical activity 2) Discuss parental preferences and perceptions of childhood obesity 3) Identify children at-risk for limited physical activity, and 4) List low-income specific factors that can motivate a healthier lifestyle.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)