Factors Contributing To Obesity among African American Women

Introduction

According to experts, obesity is the second source of avoidable death after tobacco. Even though it affects all populations, it majorly affects African American women. Obesity makes African American women more susceptible to chronic disorders such as hypertension and stroke. Due to the high mortality rates attributed to obesity, it has become a major public medical challenge in both developed and developing regions (Lakdawalla, & Philipson, 2009). One of the main cause of obesity is the changing lifestyle. Internationally, statistics indicate that more than 300million people have been affected directly and indirectly, by obesity. In the contemporary society, obesity prevalence increased by 178%. Over the years obesity has been labelled as an epidemic because it increases chances of acquiring other disease such as cancer and heart attacks. Despite of the general spread of obesity, African American women are disproportionately impacted by obesity. Medical records state that two-thirds of African American women suffer from obesity on the count of body mass index. In simpler terms, there are factors contributing to occurrence obesity among the African American population.

Literature Review

Obesity affects people from all walks of life regardless of age, race and other demographics considered and put in place. Nevertheless, despite of the obesity epidemic infecting Americans from various background, African American women population have recorded a high prevalence of obesity than other races or demographics (Dobbs, & Manyika, 2015). The rate among African American women is 1.5 times higher as compared to other Caucasian populations. These obesity disparities are interpreted as 56.6% of African American adult women are obese. Presently, 75% of African American adult females are obese. The rising trend of obesity prevalence among African black men has also revealed the life expectancy of African American women is decreasing due to other diseases which come as a result of obesity. For example, diabetes and heart attacks are some of the illnesses that have affected African American women. This cruel cycle persistently increases the chances of acquiring other illnesses such as hypertension. In order to fight off obesity and create sustainable solutions to the epidemic, long terms deterrence schemes and medication plans have to be researched and implemented. Even though there is still no defined solution to reduce obesity, weight loss is the best way of fighting obesity and decreasing chances of developing other related diseases such as heart attack and hypertension.

Importance of the Study

 This research will assist unveil new information on obesity prevalence and causative elements among African American women. Therefore, the outcome of the information will be used to make informative decision and live a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, most people will receive new information and hopefully change their life for the better. Therefore, these research paper will transform lives and minimize chronic disorders such as heart attacks (Goryakin et al., 2015). Furthermore, a gap in the vast body of obesity investigation will be filled because the research will address traditional, societal and economic aspects which have played a role in obesity prevalence among African American women.  Thus, this research will have an impact on weight loss programs and intervention geared towards reducing weight especially among African American women.

Research questions

What is the obesity prevalence amongst African American women?

H1 I anticipate the prevalence among African American adult women to be high due to causative factors such as genes and low income neighborhoods.

H0, the prevalence of obesity among African black Americans will be negligible.

Variables

Dependent variables

Obesity (BMI)

Independent variables

Oldness – age makes it hard for the body to reduce calories

Number of children- the number of children affect life style and quality of life one lead

 Exercise lifestyle- if exercise is incorporated in their lifestyle

Exercise routine- influences the amount of calories burnt each day.

Availability of domestic chores

Income- informs the range of choice one has and if they can afford healthy meals

Dietary routines- meal consumed each day

Sleep duration- reduces stress and assists the body to function optimally and burn fat

Level of education- influences informed decision making

Contraceptives can accelerated hormones which in turn causes more calorie intake

Television viewing time frame. - promotes a sedentary lifestyle

Research methodology

 The research design will be a descriptive cross sectional research will enable the examination of obesity alongside other variables. A cross-sectional study is both descriptive and analytical hence permitting the researcher to study the topic in depth.

 Study section – USA

Population under study is African American adult women.

 Sampling technique

Multistage sampling strategy will be used in this study.

A Location USA will be randomly selected and then the researcher will narrow down to the ward and then the house. Sample size will be decided by the statistical calculations. The sample frame will be derived from sub metropolitan head office. African American women aged from 30-50 years old will be randomly selected. Only women who consent to the study will be considered.

Methods-intervention

Exercising done both at home and the gym to reduce weight gained overtime. Emotional support and eating whole foods.

Controlled experiment

 Exercising will not be done at home or at the gym.  Therefore, the participants will be forced to live a sedentary life.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

 This will be derived from the results collected

Tables

 Instrumentation

Demographic data

Weighing scale

Permit from law enforcers

 

 

References

Dobbs, R., & Manyika, J. (2015). The obesity crisis. The Cairo Review of Global Affairs, 5.

Goryakin, Y., Lobstein, T., James, W. P. T., & Suhrcke, M. (2015). The impact of economic, political and social globalization on overweight and obesity in the 56 low and middle income countries. Social Science & Medicine, 133, 67-76.

Kumanyika, S. K. (2019). A framework for increasing equity impact in obesity prevention. American Journal of Public Health, 109(10), 1350-1357.

Lakdawalla, D., & Philipson, T. (2009). The growth of obesity and technological change. Economics & Human Biology, 7(3), 283-293.