The
Latino community has a much greater rate of obesity than the population
in general. According to a survey conducted by the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) from 1999-2000, 34.4% of Mexican American adults were
obese and about 14% of Mexican American adolescents were overweight.
Unfortunately, there is no similar data for the Latino community at
large.
Acculturation
into the United States is partially responsible for the increase in
obesity of Latinos. This is shown by the increased likelihood for Latino
children born in the U.S. by immigrant parents to be obese. They are
more than twice as likely to become overweight than foreign-born Latinos
who move to the U.S. Once Latinos arrive in the U.S., they tend to eat
more fried foods, and less fruit. They also tend to eat more meat, and
a less varied diet than the average American. In addition, upon acculturation
into the U.S., Latinos are less active and take part in less exercise,
and more sedentary activities like watching television and playing video
games.
Socioeconomic
status is another factor that adds to obesity among Latinos. 27% of
Latinos in the U.S. live below the poverty level. The cost of food,
especially healthy food is expensive. Cheaper food, like fast food,
tends to be more fattening, but could be more appealing to Latinos.
Due to the low socioeconomic status of Latinos, some are forced to eat
fast food frequently because of cost, and others because of lack of
time for preparing meals.
While
there are many factors that go into the high rates of obesity in the
Latino community, none of them are too tough to overcome. With the proper
information and increased attention to healthy habits, the fight against
obesity can be won.
