Reading Reflection: Role of Culture in Weight-loss interventions for the Hispanic population

Reading Reflection
Students’ Name:
University Affiliation:
Course:
Date of Submission:
Role of Culture in Weight-loss interventions for the Hispanic population
Hispanic people have been ranked as the second-highest population with obese and overweight individuals in America. Over 60% of Hispanics are either overweight or obese. About 78.8 percent of Hispanic women are overweight than non-Hispanic women (Shahbazi et al., 2018). Also, Hispanics are 1.2 times more prone to obesity compared to non-Hispanic whites. The prevalence of obesity among Hispanics remains high due to their cultural beliefs and diet. The prevalence can be linked to lifestyle among the children, categorized as a combination of obesogenic and protective behaviors. The majority of children below the age of 6, especially those born by foreign parents, tend to consume more sugared beverages and engage in less physical activities compared to those children of US-born parents who spend less time on television.
Food and physical activities play a crucial role in the rising number of obese individuals amongst the Hispanics. The majority of Hispanic children enjoy snacking and consuming unhealthy drinks (Shahbazi et al., 2018). The trend can be eliminated by encouraging the Hispanics to incorporate rules to consume healthy foods and destroy snacks and beverages. Also, health care practitioners can increase access to health resources on obesity and promote physical exercise among the Hispanics. Cultural competence is also crucial in designing intervention programs for the community. The role of genetics should also be incorporated in understanding the root cause of obesity among Latinos (Eldridge et al., 2016). The most implicated genetic factor is MC4R, which codes for the Melanocortin 4 receptor. The gene factor changes affect its functioning and are generally found in about 5% of obese individuals. Specific genes may contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to weight gain and obesity in the end. Individuals with particular genes should consider consuming healthy foods and frequent physical exercise to avoid obesity.
According to Lindberg, Stevens, and Halperin (2013), various interventions can curb obesity and weight issues among the Hispanic population. The article highlights several cultural concepts, such as the relationship between culture and diet, which can address the detrimental consequences of obesity. The consequences include reduced life expectancy, increased mortality rates, and increased cardiovascular disorders and deaths. The use of a weight-loss intervention for the community has been less successful among Hispanics due to their education level, reluctance on health programs, and perplexing effects of ethnicity and SES. Also, the Hispanics value certain foods and behaviors which predispose them to overweight and obesity. The food and their behavioral strategies are tied to social and cultural dynamics amongst the population. To curb the pr...