Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. It has been increasing among adults of all races and ethnicities over the last two decades; however, obesity is higher among Non-Hispanic Black adults, Hispanic adults, and American Indian or Alaska Native adults, than their White and Asian counterparts, according to the National Institutes of Health. Adults with lower income also have higher risk of obesity than those with a high income.
A George Mason University College of Public Health team of interprofessional researchers analyzed the last five years of literature to determine how social and structural determinants of health and social injustice impact the risk of obesity, its treatment and treatment outcomes, and explored the implications for prevention and future treatment interventions. We found that social determinants of health, such as where someone lives, and social inequities are primary drivers of obesity disparities. Many of these determinants can be modified through interventions to reduce obesity.
" Michelle S. Williams, associate professor of community and global health "Population-based, equity-focused interventions that address the underlying causes of obesity disparities are needed to reduce these disparities and improve the health outcomes of minoritized and marginalized groups," said Lawrence Cheskin, professor of nutrition and food studies. "The good news is that there are successful examples of public health interventions that communities can support to reduc.