Prevalence of Obesity in Minority Women in Bowie, Maryland

Obesity is a major problem for minority women in the United States. African American Women (AAW) are most affected by this condition, which is also correlated with having a high rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The situation is worsened by the fact that most of these women are unable to get adequate medical attention. In some cases, the areas of residence are not conducive to maintain a regular exercise regime coupled with the challenge of non availability of healthy foods. While the association between obesity and CVD is recognized, previous research has not clarified how it contributes to CVD among minority women. Present knowledge is also inadequate regarding how various levels of adiposity relate to traditional and present factors of CVD and the impact it has on AAW. The author investigated these conditions with a focus on AAW in Maryland. Through establishing the relationship between various cases of obesity and hypertension, the results show that acculturation factors are some of the contributing factors to obesity among minority women. The results also show that prevention programs can play a significant role in ensuring obesity is controlled and possibilities of hypertension are reduced.