The widespread presence of obesity in the United States is increasing across all age groups. According to the Obesity Action Coalition, it is estimated that 93 million Americans are affected by obesity. It is also reported that socioeconomic status plays a significant role. Populations which are low-income and minority are more likely to be overweight and tend to experience it at a higher rate.
We at HealthStar Home Health see firsthand how obesity affects our patients and their families, especially when working with the Native American population in Minnesota, New Mexico and Arizona. According to a report by the Shakopee Mdwakanton Sioux Community, the rate of obesity in children is on the rise and coupled with diabetes will soon reach 50%. These alarming statistics and others show the epidemic will continue to grow amongst Native Americans in Minnesota. According to the Mayo Clinic, obesity typically results from a combination of causes and contributing factors, such as:
- Genetics: A person’s genes may affect the amount of body fat stored and where it is distributed in the body. A person’s genetics will also play a role in the efficiency your body converts food into energy and the rate calories are burned during exercise.
- Activity level: If a person is not very active, not as many calories are burned. When a person leads a sedentary lifestyle usually more calories are consumed than burned through routine daily activities and exercise. This leads to weight gain.
- Family lifestyle: Obesity tends to run in families. If one or both parents are obese, the risk of their children being obese is higher. This is not the same as genetics, but instead due to family members having similar eating and activity habits.
- Unhealthy diet: A diet that is high in calories, fast food and oversized portions, but lacking in fruits and vegetables will lead to weight gain.
- Social and economic issues: Scientific research has linked social and economic factors to obesity. Avoiding this is difficult if there are not safe areas to exercise, education on healthy ways of cooking or the means to buy healthier foods.
There are many other causes and contributing factors that can lead to obesity, this is just a sampling.
The risk of developing further health complications, some of which can be serious is higher for those who are obese, including but not limited to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Osteoarthritis
- Sexual health issues
Understanding the risk factors involved is important as well as working to prevent obesity with available treatment options such as medication, healthy nutrition plans and a regular exercise routine.
HealthStar Home Health’s culturally-relevant programs offer services that address the unique needs of the Native American population. First Nation’s Home Health is Minnesota’s premier provider of home health services for Native American communities in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area as well as Duluth and Bemidji. By offering home health care services on the Red Lake, White Earth, Leech Lake, Bois Fort, Fond du Lac and Mille Lacs Reservations, our HealthStar Home Health nurses see the effects of obesity each day and work to empower patients and their families to be active participants in their care.
Circle of Life Home Care is a home health care initiative offering personal health care services in the ten-county area of northwestern New Mexico and in Arizona. Through both of these programs, HealthStar Home Health is committed to providing culturally sensitive care to the Native American population both on and off the Reservations.
With services such as life and health management, mental health, home health and home help, HealthStar Home Health helps make families and communities strong by enabling individuals of all ages to live longer, more independent and fulfilling lives. Call us today at 888-689-3391 for more information or to schedule a no-charge health care consultation.