Vida Activa - Questions and Answers
Hispanic kids are at higher risk for obesity than other kids in the U.S. The percentage of overweight Hispanic children is higher than the national average for all kids. And the prevalence of obesity among Hispanic adults is higher than that of the overall population.
* Federal government data show, nearly one fourth of Hispanic children and teenagers aged 6 - 19 are overweight, and over 27% of Hispanic adolescent boys are overweight.
* Nearly two of three adults (64.5%) in the U.S. are overweight or obese; among Hispanics, the rate is even higher. Nearly three of four Hispanic adults (73.4%) in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
Hispanics, may be at greater risk for obesity due to cultural differences:
* Cultural Isolation:
Hispanic children are less inclined to join after school sports programs and neighborhood games.
* Parents not role models for physical activity:
Hispanic parents are less likely to be active themselves; therefore, children do not have a role model at home that pushes them to be more physically active. Again, cultural differences may be a barrier to neighborhood activities and community sports.
* Parents' views of healthy weight:
A study recently published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior shows that Hispanic moms view plumpness as being healthful, not unhealthy.
* Poor eating habits/Lack of Nutrition Education:
Parents tend to choose foods the family enjoys, not necessarily thinking about nutrition first. Also, under-nutrition that may have been experienced with poorer socio-economic conditions earlier in life or a generation ago translates into parents wanting to provide abundance for their children.
Obesity is a complex problem that has no easy answer. Recent evidence shows that sedentary activities, such as video games and television, and poor eating habits are the largest factors in this rising epidemic. Family environments and community factors, such as lack of culturally-relevant nutrition education and opportunities for physical activity, may contribute to obesity.
But promoting fitness for children doesn't mean cutting out their favorite foods and beverages. Registered Dietitian Sylvia Enid Melendez-Klinger offers fun and practical ideas to promote healthy eating and physical activity for kids at home, indoors and outdoors, with family.
