Effective Strategies for Obesity Prevention in Underserved at-Risk Groups

Effective Strategies for Obesity Prevention in Underserved at-Risk Groups

Obesity in the United States (US) is a serious public health issue, as 35.7% of adults and 16.9% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. This high prevalence generates concern due to negative outcomes associated with obesity such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. To date there is a paucity of research on effective strategies for obesity prevention in groups that are disproportionately affected. These underserved, at-risk groups in the US include very young children (1-5 years old), early adolescents (11-14 years old), and postpartum women.