Section One
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Harvard University *
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20410
Subject
Health Science
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by BrigadierLark2346
Section One: The Nature and Extent of the Need
The need for support programs and services aimed at promoting health and wellness in
underserved communities is immense.
Comparatively, only 32.6%
of white people are
clinically obese, while nearly 48%
of African-American adults are clinically
obese. This includes 37.1% of males and 56.6%
of women (including
32.8%
of women and 32.4% of men). When the numerous health dangers that
are most frequently connected to obesity are taken into consideration,
statistics like these take on an even more alarming quality.
These alarming
statistics demonstrate a clear need for better access to health and wellness resources in
underserved communities such as those found among African Americans nationwide. Programs
that provide nutrition education, physical activity opportunities, access to affordable healthy
foods, and other forms of support can help reduce obesity levels while also promoting overall
wellbeing within these populations. Such efforts must focus on addressing structural factors that
limit access or otherwise prevent individuals from engaging in positive lifestyle choices - such as
poverty or lack of transportation - if they are going to have any meaningful impact on reducing
disparities in health outcomes among minority groups like African Americans.
Section Two: Factors Contributing To The Problem or Condition
Health and wellness programs and services are a critical need in underserved communities,
particularly those with higher rates of obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), African Americans experience disproportionately high rates of obesity
compared to other ethnic groups in the United States. In 2018, 47.8% of non-Hispanic black
adults were obese, which was significantly higher than 31.6% among white adults and 30.7%
among Hispanic adults that same year.
There are multiple factors contributing to this problem or condition within the African American
community such as;
Socioeconomic status, education level, access to healthy foods and physical activity
opportunities, genetics/heredity predisposition towards weight gain, cultural diets including fried
foods or large portions sizes.
Psychosocial factors like stress due to discrimination; certain medications’ side effects.
Mental health issues such as depression leading people to overeat; lack of knowledge about
nutrition facts resulting in poor food choices; sleep deprivation causing hormonal imbalances,
which can lead to increased appetite.
Environmental exposures such as pollutants linked with metabolic changes which may cause
weight gain; inadequate healthcare access creating limited preventive care initiatives that could
help address growing obesity levels earlier on before they become more severe medical
conditions requiring greater resources for treatment down the road.
Section Three: Impact Of The Problem
Obesity is a major issue facing the African-American community today. According to recent
statistics, nearly half of all African American adults are overweight or obese, compared to
roughly one-third of all Americans overall. This means that African Americans are more than
twice as likely than other racial/ethnic groups to be affected by this dangerous health condition.
The impact of obesity in the African American community goes beyond physical health issues
such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes; it also has serious social implications. Studies have
shown that people with higher body mass indexes (BMI) tend to encounter more discrimination
when seeking employment or housing opportunities, leading to lower wages and fewer
economic opportunities for those affected by obesity. Additionally, individuals who suffer from
obesity may experience depression and low self-esteem due to negative messages they receive
about their bodies from society at large.
To address this problem, it is essential that support programs and services aimed at promoting
health and wellness among underserved populations are made available in African American
communities across the country. These initiatives should focus on providing access to nutritious
food options while educating individuals on healthy eating habits, offering physical activity
classes designed specifically for different age groups. Advocating for policy changes, which
promote active lifestyles; and creating safe spaces where people can come, together to learn
about nutrition and exercise in an inclusive environment free from judgement or stigma
associated with body size or shape. By investing in initiatives like these we can help reduce the
prevalence of obesity within our communities while increasing access to resources necessary
for achieving optimal health outcomes for everyone involved.
Section Four: Promising Approaches For Improved Results
Support programs and services, which are aimed at promoting health and wellness in
underserved communities, is an important way to address the disparities that exist between
these communities and ones that are more privileged. The current state of health among African
Americans is concerning, as they have higher rates of obesity than any other racial or ethnic
group in the U.S., with nearly 50% being affected by it (CDC, 2020). This statistic is especially
alarming when compared to the rate for White adults, where only 38% report having obesity.
In order to address this issue, there are a number of promising approaches that can be
implemented in underserved communities. One such approach would be providing access to
healthy food options through farmers markets or mobile grocery stores; this could help reduce
reliance on fast-food restaurants and convenience stores, which often lack nutritious choices.
Additionally, increasing physical activity opportunities through community centers or parks can
provide people with places to exercise without requiring expensive gym memberships. Finally,
investment into education programs focused on nutrition counseling and lifestyle changes can
equip individuals with the knowledge needed to make healthier decisions throughout their lives.
Ultimately, implementing supportive programs will not only improve health outcomes but also
empower those living in underserved areas by giving them tools they need for long-term
success. By investing resources into initiatives like these we can work towards closing the gaps
between different populations’ levels of wellness while improving overall public health outcomes
across our nation.
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