Impact of culture

Cultural factors such as traditions and views about body image can impact whether your patients will accept your weight-management advice. Understanding your patients' cultural nuances can help you create a plan that fits their lifestyle.

Obesity rates by race and ethnicity

As a health care professional, you can help play a role in reducing these numbers.

Hispanic and African American/Black Adults Have the Highest Rates of Overweight or Obesity.1-3

Hispanic and African American adults have the highest rates of overweight or obesity

Age-adjusted percentage of persons 20 years of age and older who had overweight or obesity, 2013-2016 (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 25 or greater). 1-3

4 Out of 5 African American/Black Women and Hispanic Men Have Overweight or Obesity1,3*†

4 out of 5 African American women have overweight or obesity

*Age-adjusted percentage of persons 20 years of age and older who had overweight or obesity, 2013-2016 (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 25 or greater). 1-3

Age-adjusted percentage of persons 20 years of age and older who had obesity, 2013-2016 (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 30 or greater).1

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The influence of culture

Understanding your patients’ culture is important. It may help you to better connect with them and create a weight-management plan that your patients can adhere to. Below are examples of some cultural factors you may consider when having a discussion with your patients about their weight-management plan and goals.

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Food

Some cultural behaviors around food can impact weight goals. For example, the expectation of eating everything on one’s plate may lead to weight gain.4

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Body image

Feelings about body image can vary from culture to culture. Ethnicity/race can have a role in body image and dissatisfaction.5

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Trust

For African Americans, medical mistrust can be traced back to studies such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study.6

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Stress

People from certain ethnic populations may experience high levels of stress. Stress can contribute to weight gain.7,8

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Gender and food preferences

Hispanic/Latino men may be conditioned to eat more meat and fats, whereas Hispanic/Latino women may be more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables based on patterns established by previous generations.9

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Fatalism

Among Hispanic/Latino culture there is a belief in fate, that people have little control over some things, which may include their health.4

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Considering these cultural factors when discussing weight-management goals with your patients will help you have an open and honest conversation.

START THE CONVERSATION

References:

1. US Department of Health & Human Services. Obesity and African Americans. Accessed November 3, 2021. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=25

2. US Department of Health & Human Services. Obesity and Asian Americans. Accessed November 3, 2021. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=55

3. US Department of Health & Human Services. Obesity and Hispanic Americans. Accessed November 3, 2021. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=70

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Expert panel meeting on communicating about overweight/obesity with Hispanic American audiences. A meeting sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 14–15, 2016. Accessed November 3, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/pdf/crosscutting-resources/DCH_Hisp_Comm_Expert_Panel02282018.pdf

5. Chithambo TP, Huey SJ. Black/white differences in perceived weight and attractiveness among overweight women. J Obes. 2013;2013:320326.

6. Jaiswal J. Whose responsibility is it to dismantle medical mistrust? Future directions for researchers and health care providers. Behav Med. 2019;45(2):188-196.

7. Bulatao RA, Anderson NB, National Research Council (US) Panel on Race, Ethnicity, and Health in Later Life, eds. Understanding Racial and Ethnic Differences in Health in Late Life: A Research Agenda. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2004.

8. Kim KH, Bursac Z, DiLillo V, White DB, West DS. Stress, race, and body weight. Health Psychol. 2009;28(1):131-135.

9. Overcash F, Reicks M. Diet quality and eating practices among Hispanic/Latino men and women: NHANES 2011-2016. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1302.

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