Paso a la Salud Development of a culturally relevant intervention to improve obesity among underserved Hispanics in Detroit

Abstract

Obesity among the Hispanic population continues to be a significant public health problem, obesity is considered an epidemic in the United States (US). The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC, 2015) documented “the prevalence of obesity was 36.5% among U.S adults during 2011-2014. The worldwide prevalence of obesity has more than doubled between 1980 and 2014 (Appendix A.) Current changes in lifestyle and nutritional intake regimens, in most homes and schools have contributed to the obesity epidemic. Obesity imposes significant health risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and cancers. Evidence suggests that interventions customized to a cultural group are more effective for obesity management.