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Review
. 2023 Feb;31(2):329-337.
doi: 10.1002/oby.23638.

Obesity among Latinx people in the United States: A review

José Orlando Alemán  1 , Jaime P Almandoz  2 , Juan Pablo Frias  3 , Rodolfo J Galindo  4
Affiliations
Review

Obesity among Latinx people in the United States: A review

José Orlando Alemán et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that is associated with a range of adiposity-based comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the United States, obesity is a public health crisis, affecting more than 40% of the population. Obesity disproportionately affects Latinx people, who have a higher prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities (such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) compared with the general population. Many factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, traditional calorie-dense Latinx diets, family dynamics, and differences in socioeconomic status, contribute to the increased prevalence and complexity of treating obesity in the Latinx population. Additionally, significant heterogeneity within the Latinx population and disparities in health care access and utilization between Latinx people and the general population add to the challenge of obesity management. Culturally tailored interventions have been successful for managing obesity and related comorbidities in Latinx people. Antiobesity medications and bariatric surgery are also important options for obesity treatment in Latinx people. As highlighted in this review, when managing obesity in the Latinx population, it is critical to consider the impact of genetic, dietary, cultural, and socioeconomic factors, in order to implement an individualized treatment strategy.

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Conflict of interest statement

José Orlando Alemán serves on the advisory board for Intellihealth, is a consultant for Novo Nordisk, and receives research support from the NYU Langone Health Comprehensive Program in Obesity Research. Jaime P. Almandoz serves on advisory boards for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Juan Pablo Frias reports receiving research support from AbbVie, Akero, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Intercept, Janssen, Madrigal, Metacrine, MSD, NorthSea Therapeutics, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Oramed, Pfizer, Poxil, Sanofi, and Theracos; serving on advisory boards and consulting for 89bio, Akero, Altimmune, Axcella Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, Carmot Therapeutics, Echosens, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Intercept, Merck, Metacrine, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, and Sanofi; and participating in speaker bureaus for Eli Lilly, Merck, and Sanofi. Rodolfo J. Galindo has received research support (to Emory University) for investigator‐initiated studies from Dexcom, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk, and consulting fees from Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Weight Watchers, outside of this work.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Case study on the management of obesity and obesity‐related comorbidities in a Latinx patient. AOM, antiobesity medication; CVD, cardiovascular disease; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; VLCD, very low‐calorie diet
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Factors for consideration and practical recommendations for action in the management of obesity in Latinx populations. *Testing is recommended in asymptomatic adults with overweight or obesity and one or more risk factors, which include Latinx ethnicity [72]. CVD, cardiovascular disease; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; T2D, type 2 diabetes
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