Oral

Obesity has reached epidemic levels, with nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population considered overweight or obese. Minorities and underserved populations suffer disproportionately from obesity and obesity-related diseases, and they are less likely than Whites to meet recommendations for physical activity. Physical inactivity and lower levels of education have been associated with increased risk for obesity and chronic disease. It has been shown that African Americans are more sedentary than whites, particularly low-income and less educated individuals. Similarly, Latinos have one of the highest rates of overweight, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Mexican American adults are especially affected, with the highest rates among females. Research of scientifically sound evidence-based interventions to reduce the disproportionate burden of obesity and its associated morbidity and mortality among minority populations is greatly needed. This session will discuss various approaches to obesity prevention in special populations as well as the perceived benefits and barriers of these strategies as felt by participants.

Session Objectives: At the end of the session, the participant will be able to: (1) To identify ways that physical activity programs can be made more attractive to rural African Americans; (2) Identify the most common barriers to healthy nutrition and physical activity faced by Latinas; (3) Identify techniques for culturally adapting evidence-based strategies to increase physical activity among minority and underserved communities.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing