title: Cultural considerations for treatment of childhood obesity.
abstract: Childhood obesity has become one of the most common health problems facing children in America. Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reveal that ethnic minority children in the United States are at particular risk for development of cardiovascular disease due to their disproportionate levels of obesity. In treating childhood obesity among ethnic minorities, practitioners need to be mindful of the cultural norms surrounding body size. Additional concerns that must be addressed include the effects of target marketing of unhealthy foods toward ethnic minorities and environmental deterrents to outside physical activities, to name a few. Strategies given to address the problem of childhood obesity among ethnic minorities include, increasing the child's physical activity, reducing television viewing and the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyle practices for the entire family.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St., Jackson, MS 29216-4505, USA. sdavis@son.umsmed.edu
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Northington
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kolar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D001828:Body Image; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology