Note: please note that this issue brief should (a) link back to the issue overview on this topic, (b) be focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (c) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items. See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you.
Goal Statement
Scope of the Problem factual statements on the extent of the problem in the past, current, or future
- African Americans are suffering from several diseases (ie. heart disease, diabetes) due to obesity. Some factors related to these health concerns are "genetics, environmental factors, access to care, and cultural factors."
- Research shows that 4 out of 5 African American women are overweight or obese.
- Child obesity is also becoming scarce within the Black community, and as a result, these children are suffering from physical problems, such as; stress on weight-bearing joints, increase blood pressure, dysilipidemia, have difficulites breathing, and are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes.
- Not only are they undergoing physical straints, but psychological as well. Overweight children experience discrimination, social stigmatization, low self-esteem, depression, and neglect.
- Physical inactivity is a major factor associated with this obesity epidemic for all minorities and Americans. It is the most leading cause of the chronic diseases mentioned. However, since the majority of the African American community have lower socioeconomic status, it hinders their ability to get sufficient physical activity due to their sedentary lifestyle. Some African Americans are on government assistance, which only allows them to buy certain food products when shopping, and most of those food products are unhealthy, fatty products. Many Blacks are not a part of a health club due to inability to pay, lack of resources in the communities they live, and lack of marketing in those urban communities.
Past Policy key legislation and milestones including significant policy and funding shifts, major studies, etc.
- American Public Health Association (APHA), 2001 - Resolution in Overweight in Childhood
- Encourage urban areas in schools and communities to produce opportunities for a healthy lifestyle for all children by decreasing sedentary lifestyles and increasing access to healthier foods.
- Encourage increases in the quanitity and quality of physical education in all grade levels that promote appropriate , interesting, and non-competitive activities that all children can enjoy but benefit by reflecting on all cultures and diversities the children.
- Increase accessibility to healthier food and limit availability to fatty and sugary snacks and drinks in school and lunch.
- Footnote needed for these facts.
- American Public Health Association (APHA), 2004 - Research in Community Health
- "Institute of Medicine report has recommended that public health professional be taught how to conduct community-based participatory research so as reflect the ecological view of health and disease in their research and teaching."
- Research can be enhanced through involving local knowledge and theory based on experiences of the people involved.
- Footnote needed for these facts.
Current Policy summary of current policies in the form of legislation, programs, and funding
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American Public Health Association (APHA), 2007 - Addressing Obesity and Health Disparities
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Utilizing food assistance programs through the Food and Nutrition Service solely on the health and food security needs of their constituents
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Amplify access to healthy, culturally acceptable foods like, vegetables, fruits, etc. and healthy beverages in school lunches and food assistance programs.
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Persuade Congress to change federal financial assistance to support products that are low in fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar, as well as convincing them to promote interests in argricultural nutrition.
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Encourage public health education in school settings that address the obesity epidemic and identify the importance of healthy food choices.
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Footnote needed for these facts.
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American Public Health Association (APHA), 2007 - Physical Acitivity Promotion
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"Support for the design and implementation of educational curricula, courses, training certificates, and degree programs in schools of public health to prepare practioners and researchers to develop and appropriately utilize the evidence needed to increase population physical activity and to desseminate effective phycial activity promotion approaches within the wide variety of fields relevant to physical activity policy and systems."
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Engage private industry partners with business interests in increasing population physical activity levels, which may provide new product development, media exposure, dissemination venues, political support, and funding for physical activity interventions.
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Footnote needed for these facts.
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Policy Options
Key Organizations/Individuals contacts for public and private organizations and key individuals
Glossary of Terms
Bibliography web sites, reports, articles, and other reference material