Obesity: An Emerging Threat

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified obesity as a global health threat that has nearly tripled since 1975 (WHO, 2018). In 2016, of the 7.4 billion people in the world, more than 1.9 billion adults 18 years of age and older, were overweight. African-Americans were 1.4 times as likely to be obese as non-Hispanic Whites. Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health (WHO, 2018). The risk factors associated with obesity are cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and cancer disorders (WHO, 2018). Policies that are currently in place addressing obesity are centered on nutrition, physical exercise, and parental involvement. The evidence shows that balanced diets and exercise could lead to healthy outcomes.

Keywords: African Americans; economics; exercise; obesity; policy.