Obesity Interventions in Underserved Communities

Edited by prominent experts in the field and drawing upon the work of a wide range of expert authors, Obesity Interventions in Underserved Communities seeks to present the current state of evidence and direction of obesity interventions. The book is a substantial contribution to the field; there is nothing comparable on the market. -- Lawrence J. Cheskin, Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center A fascinating book. Recommended for anyone who is trying to understand the variety of challenges encountered in implementing obesity intervention programs, as well as the ways that those challenges have been met. -- Lawrence D. Hammer, Lucille Salter Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University Few health issues rival obesity in impact and the number of individuals affected. The nation is beginning to address obesity where the financial, economic, and human costs are greatest-underserved communities. History will show this book as a shining move toward establishing a roadmap for this effort. -- Kelly D. Brownell, PhD, Dean, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University

The obesity epidemic has a disproportionate impact on communities that are hard-hit by social and economic disadvantages. This book explores effective models for treating and preventing obesity in such communities.The obesity epidemic has a disproportionate impact on communities that are hard-hit by social and economic disadvantages. In Obesity Interventions in Underserved Communities, a diverse group of researchers explores effective models for treating and preventing obesity in such communities. The volume provides overviews of the literature at specific junctures of society and health (e.g., the effectiveness of preschool obesity prevention programs), as well as commentaries that shape our understanding of particular parts of the obesity epidemic and field reports on innovative approaches to combating obesity in racial/ethnic minority and other medically underserved populations in the United States. Authors make specific recommendations to policy makers which are designed to reverse the rising rate of obesity dramatically. The thirty-one literature reviews, commentaries, and field reports collected here address obesity prevention and treatment programs implemented across a spectrum of underserved populations, with particular attention paid to children and adolescents. Aimed at students, clinicians, and community workers in public health and health policy, as well as family medicine and pediatrics, sociology, childhood education, and nutrition - and deeply informed by fieldwork - this book demonstrates the importance of taking a full contextual view, both historical and current, when considering the challenge of reversing upward obesity trends among ethnic minorities, impoverished people, and other underserved populations.