The number of overweight adults and children in the United. States is increasing at an alarming rate. Obesity has been

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1 Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust Session on Obesity Bursting Out of Our Seams: Confronting the Crisis of Obesity in Our Community UMDNJ Oral Health Pavilion/NJ Medical School Saturday, March 31, 2007 Panelist: Linda J. Holmes Public policy s role in reducing obesity The problem: The number of overweight adults and children in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. Obesity has been described as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization, and studies find that over 60 percent of American adults are overweight or obese. 1

2 According to the American Heart Association, about three out of every 10 black American men, white men or white women are obese, whereas almost five out of 10 black American women are obese. Black Americans tend to carry extra weight around their abdomens, which increases risk for heart disease. What is obesity? o Many people do not consider themselves overweight or obese because they are not aware of what the guidelines define as overweight or obese. o Cultural differences in food, recreation and self-image affect a person s behavior and how she views herself. 2

3 o Overweight and obesity are measured by body mass index (BMI) Overweight is BMI of 25 to 29.9 Obese is BMI of 30 or more For example, a woman of 5 foot 3 inches would be considered overweight at 150 pounds. According to a study by Dr. Kumanyika, a researcher at Johns Hopkins, effective obesity interventions are likely to be culturespecific. o Definitive comparisons of black women and white women on environmental influences on weight might make clear the points at which black women and white women diverge. 3

4 o More studies are needed to look at the natural history of weight gain and weight loss among females of both races during critical periods of life such as adolescence, after having a baby, during and after breastfeeding, and during major life stresses. Healthy People 2010 and Healthy New Jersey 2010 goals endeavor to increase the quality and length of healthy life; and eliminate disparities in health outcomes based on race and ethnicity. What NJDHSS is currently doing to address obesity in the state: 4

5 The Office of Minority and Multicultural Health along with the Center for Health Statistics and other divisions and programs recently developed the Department s first ever Strategic Plan to Eliminate Health Disparities in New Jersey. o The Plan focuses on certain priority medical areas that disproportionately impact minority communities, including obesity. o The Plan also supports partnering with communitybased organizations to address health concerns in minority communities. o The NJDHSS supports many community-based projects to address health disparities including obesity. According to the New Jersey Obesity Prevention Action Plan (released June 2006), municipalities and counties should be 5

6 mobilized and empowered to help raise healthier families through increased physical activity and improved diets; and o Special efforts must be made to increase healthy eating and physical activity among high-risk groups including African-Americans, Latinos and those with low-income, to reduce their disproportionately high rates of obesity. o The Plan calls for actions on the part of federal, state and local government; local organizations and neighborhoods; public and non-public schools; workplaces; and healthcare systems and health professionals. 6

7 The child and adolescent health program is collaborating with other partners to revise and launch a pre-school project called Chef Combo. o In that effort, the aim is to influence eating and physical activity behaviors early in life. o The program will be working with families and teachers to influence eating and exercise habits. o The program will be providing recommendations by Dec 2007 to amend child care center regulations for daily structured physical activity and healthy eating. What can people do? Get educated. Know what obesity is and what the health risks are. o Examine your neighborhood for fast-food restaurants that if patronized in excess can sabotage healthy eating efforts. 7

8 o Find out if your community has walking trails or other outlets for physical activity. o Write your representative to encourage that there be restrictions on the number of fast-food restaurants in your local area. o Join local councils and boards that support healthy eating and exercise. o Work with local community and faith-based organizations that promote healthy eating and nutrition. o Encourage local health agencies to partner with community and faith-based organizations to address obesity (educate the community, support weight loss programs, encourage physical activity, etc.). 8