Cultural considerations for treatment of childhood obesity

J Cult Divers. 2000 Winter;7(4):128-32.

Abstract

Childhood obesity has become one of the most common health problems facing children in America. Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reveal that ethnic minority children in the United States are at particular risk for development of cardiovascular disease due to their disproportionate levels of obesity. In treating childhood obesity among ethnic minorities, practitioners need to be mindful of the cultural norms surrounding body size. Additional concerns that must be addressed include the effects of target marketing of unhealthy foods toward ethnic minorities and environmental deterrents to outside physical activities, to name a few. Strategies given to address the problem of childhood obesity among ethnic minorities include, increasing the child's physical activity, reducing television viewing and the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyle practices for the entire family.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attitude to Health / ethnology*
  • Black or African American / education
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Body Image
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Child
  • Child Welfare*
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Diet, Reducing
  • Exercise
  • Food Preferences / ethnology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Mexican Americans / education
  • Mexican Americans / psychology*
  • Minority Groups / education
  • Minority Groups / psychology*
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / ethnology*
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology