Weight-Loss Interventions for Hispanic Populations: The Role of Culture

Abstract

In the United States, ethnic minorities are overrepresented among the overweight and obese population, with Hispanic individuals being among the groups most at risk for obesity and obesity-related disease and disability. Most weight-loss interventions designed for the general population have been less successful with individuals from ethnic minorities and there is a pressing need to develop more effective interventions for these groups. This paper examines the importance of culture in the development of “culturally competent” weight-loss interventions for ethnic minority populations, and discusses specific culturally mediated factors that should be considered in the design and implementation of treatment interventions. While specifically focusing on Hispanic populations, we also address issues of relevance to other multiethnic societies.

Self-Experiencing “The Healthiest Weight”

“…While there is a lack of studies comparing Spanish to other communities, studies in the United States showed that ethnic minorities, such us Hispanic, are overrepresented among the overweight and obese population, which highlight the importance of culture in the development of "culturally competent" weight-loss interventions [5]. …”

Obesity, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Weight Loss in a Population of Adult Mexican Americans

“…These types of health intervention programs, such as Beyond Sabor, might reduce the need for pharmacological treatments. However, few weight-loss or nutrition/exercise behavior change interventions have targeted Hispanic populations (Lindberg & Stevens, 2007). As a result, traditional approaches to obesity prevention and managing diabetes in the U.S. have been perceived by Mexican Americans, in some instances, as culturally insensitive and ineffective (Alcozer, 2000).…”

“…Although obesity is highly prevalent in Hispanics/Latinos , Hispanics have largely been underrepresented in this type of research (Lindberg & Stevens, 2007). A number of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for reducing or treating obesity have been conducted, but few have focused on Hispanics/Latinos and a lesser number on Mexican Americans (Galani & Schneider, 2007;Glenny, O'Meara, Melville, Sheldon & Wilson, 1997;Lindberg & Stevens, 2007).…”

“…Effective lifestyle interventions are not only required for the prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes and related cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors but also for management of these conditions which are already highly prevalent among Mexican American adults ). However, a recent review found few weight-loss or nutrition/exercise behavior change interventions have targeted Hispanic populations; and few have been successful (Lindberg & Stevens, 2007).…”

The Effects of a 12 Week Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention Program on Mexican Americans Residing in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX

“…These natural helpers emerge as leaders in their community and provide advice and social support (Israel, 1985). Throughout the literature, they are referred to as community health workers or promotoras and many studies confirm the efficacy of their value in bridging networks in the community (Nimmons, Beaudoin, & John, 2015;Brown & Harris, 2014) Hispanics are generally unsuccessful mainly because they ignore the food preferences and lifestyle of this population (Lindberg, Stevens, & Halperin, 2013;Lindberg & Stevens, 2007;MacClancy, 1992). This study, with its attention to culture, serves as a model for intervention design and execution in underserved minority populations, such as those in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.…”