Obesity and Native Americans

  • Being overweight or obese increases a Native American's risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, breathing problems, arthritis, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea (breathing problems while sleeping), and some cancers, like renal cell cancer.
  • Obesity is measured with a Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI shows the relationship of weight to height. 
  • Women with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while women with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. 
  • All adults (aged 18 years or older) who have a BMI of 25 or more are considered at risk for premature death and disability from being overweight or obese. 
  • These health risks increase as the BMI rises. Your health care provider can help you figure out your body mass or go to www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/calc-bmi.htm. 
  • Not only are health care providers concerned about how much fat a person has, but also where the fat is located on the body. Women with a "pear" shape tend to store fat in their hips and buttocks. Women with an "apple" shape store fat around their waists. 
  • For most women, carrying extra weight around their waists or middle (with a waist larger than 35 inches) raises health risks (like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer) more than carrying extra weight around their hips or thighs. 
  • In one specific population in Arizona, a study found that 80% of American Indians were overweight. 
  • If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can lower your risk for many diseases. And physical activity is an important part of weight loss treatment. Try to be active (30 minutes most days of the week is best) and eat better to help prevent and treat obesity.
  • Overweight and obesity result from an energy imbalance. This involves eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity. 
  • Body weight is the result of genes, metabolism, behavior, environment, culture, and socioeconomic status. 
  • Behavior and environment play a large role causing people to be overweight and obese. These are the greatest areas for prevention and treatment actions.
Here are concrete suggestions:
  • Address obesity at every doctor visit. 
  • Exercise, exercise, exercise!!!
  • Reduce calorie intake
  • Ask for a referral for dietician consultations.
    • Do improve nutrition and be more active.
    • Do use obesity medications.  They are largely safe and effective, and the alternative of further weight gain is not desirable or healthy.
    • Find  culturally and linguistically appropriate care.  

Location

Environmental Factors

Potential Impact on Energy Balance

Home

  • Reduce time spent watching television and in other sedentary behaviors

  • Build physical activity into regular routines

  • Increases daily and leisure time physical activity

  • Increases calories used

Schools
  • Ensure that the school breakfast and lunch programs meet nutrition standards
  • Provide food options that are low in fat, calories, and added sugars
  • Provide all children, from prekindergarten through grade 12, with quality daily physical education
  • Decreases excessive calorie consumption
  • Increases daily physical activity

Work
  • Create more opportunities for physical activity at work sites
  • Increases daily physical activity Increases calories used

Community
  • Promote healthier choices including at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and reasonable portion sizes
  • Encourage the food industry to provide reasonable food and beverage portion sizes 
  • Encourage food outlets to increase the availability of low-calorie, nutritious food items
  • Create opportunities for physical activity in communities
  • Decreases in excessive calorie consumption
  • Increases leisure time physical activity

Obesity is a treatable disease.  Modify your behavior now, and Treat Obesity!  

Source: American Journal of Medicine and Center for Disease Control

 


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