Obesity Interventions in Underserved Communities: Evidence and Directions

Synopsis

The Obesity Epidemic Has A Disproportionate Impact On Communities That Are Hard-hit By Social And Economic Disadvantages. In Obesity Interventions In Underserved Communities, A Diverse Group Of Researchers Explores Effective Models For Treating And Preventing Obesity In Such Communities. The Volume Provides Overviews Of The Literature At Specific Junctures Of Society And Health (e.g., The Effectiveness Of Preschool Obesity Prevention Programs), As Well As Commentaries That Shape Our Understanding Of Particular Parts Of The Obesity Epidemic And Field Reports On Innovative Approaches To Combating Obesity In Racial/ethnic Minority And Other Medically Underserved Populations In The United States. Authors Make Specific Recommendations To Policy Makers Which Are Designed To Reverse The Rising Rate Of Obesity Dramatically. The Thirty-one Literature Reviews, Commentaries, And Field Reports Collected Here Address Obesity Prevention And Treatment Programs Implemented Across A Spectrum Of Underserved Populations, With Particular Attention Paid To Children And Adolescents. Aimed At Students, Clinicians, And Community Workers In Public Health And Health Policy, As Well As Family Medicine And Pediatrics, Sociology, Childhood Education, And Nutrition--and Deeply Informed By Fieldwork--this Book Demonstrates The Importance Of Taking A Full Contextual View, Both Historical And Current, When Considering The Challenge Of Reversing Upward Obesity Trends Among Ethnic Minorities, Impoverished People, And Other Underserved Populations.--publisher Website. Foreword / By Gillian Regina Barclay, Howell Wechsler -- Introduction: Advancing A New Conversation About Obesity In The Underserved / Virginia Brennan, Shiriki K. Kumanyika, And Ruth Enid Zambrana -- Part I Literature Reviews -- 1. The Potential Of Early Childhood Education As A Successful Obesity Intervention / David E. Frisvold And Animesh Giri -- 2. Latino Childhood Obesity / Amelie Ramirez, Kipling Gallion, And Cliff Despres -- 3. Is That All There Is ? A Comprehensive Review Of Obesity Prevention And Treatment Interventions For African American Girls / Bettina M. Beech, Maryam M. Jernigan -- 4. Dietary Acculturation In U.s. Hispanic Communities / Earle C. Chambers, Margaret Pichardo, Nichola Davis -- 5. Obesity In Correctional Facilities: A Review Of Epidemiology And Etiology / Kimberly Dong, Alice Tang -- 6. Weight Loss Interventions In The Mexican American Community / Natalie A. Ceballos -- Part Ii Commentaries -- 7. In The Way Or On The Way? Asking Ourselves About The Role Of Contextual Factors In Community-based Obesity Research / Shiriki K. Kumanyika, T. Elaine Prewitt, Joanne Banks, Carmen Samuel-hodge -- 8. The Importance Of Public Safety In Promoting Physical Activity And Curbing Obesity Within African American Communities / Keshia M. Pollack, Lauren M. Rossen, Caterina Roman, Melicia C. Whitt-glover, Laura C. Leviton -- 9. Military And Civilian Approaches To The U.s. Obesity Epidemic / Robert S. Levine, Barbara J. Kilbourne, Courtney J. Kihlberg, Janice S. Emerson, Irwin Goldzweig, Paul Juarez, Roger Zoorab --10. A Healthy Weight Disparity Index And Reducing Rates Of Obesity And Overweight In The United States / Wendell C. Taylor, Leah S. Fischer. Edited By Virginia M. Brennan, Journal Of Health Care For The Poor And Underserved, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, Shiriki K. Kumanyika, Department Of Biostatistics And Epidemiology And Department Of Pediatrics, University Of Pennsylvania, Perelman School Of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ruth Enid Zambrana, Department Of Women's Studies And Consortium On Race, Gender, And Ethnicity, University Of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.