Minority Women's Health

E-mail this page to a friend

Overweight and Obesity

Minority Women's Health > Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians > Health Topics > Overweight and Obesity

Among Asian American/Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian women, being overweight is a problem for Native Hawaiians and Samoans.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, breathing problems, arthritis, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea (breathing problems while sleeping), osteoarthritis, and some cancers. Obesity is measured with a body mass index (BMI). BMI shows the relationship of weight to height. Women with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while women with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. All adults (aged 18 years or older) who have a BMI of 25 or more are considered at risk for early death and disability from being overweight or obese. These health risks increase as the BMI rises.

Where your body stores extra weight is also important. For most women, carrying extra weight around their waists or middle (with a waist larger than 35 inches) raises health risks more than carrying extra weight around their hips or thighs. These health risks include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can lower your risk for many diseases. And exercise is a key part of weight loss. Try to be active (30 minutes most days of the week is best) and eat better to help prevent and treat obesity.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, published jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, can help you reach your goals. These guidelines offer advice on choosing healthy foods, keeping a healthy weight, and getting enough exercise.

Publications

1.   Fact Sheet — Heart Healthy Eating — This publication provides information on how healthy eating habits can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. It explains what a healthy portion is and how to make heart-healthy food choices.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/heart-healthy-eating.cfm

2.   Fact Sheet — Overweight, Obesity, and Weight Loss — This fact sheet defines obesity and explains some of the factors that contribute to becoming overweight or obese. It provides statistics on how many women are obese, explains the serious health problems associated with obesity, and discusses how obese women can lose weight and improve their health.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/overweight-weight-loss.cfm

3.   Aim for A Healthy Weight! — This comprehensive site allows you calculate your obesity risk and provides safe and effective ways to lose or maintain weight. Menu planners, shopping tips, and a food and activity diary are included.

   http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/patmats.htm

4.   Obesity and Asian Americans — This fact sheet provides statistics on obesity between different racial groups within the Asian community. This resource features tables addressing the relationship linking obesity and diabetes, amount of physical activity, and more.

   http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/content.aspx?lvl=3&lvlID=537&ID=6458

5.   Sample Reduced-Calorie Menus: Asian-American Cuisine — This publication offers a sample of a calorie-reduced menu of Asian-American cuisine.

   http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/asian.htm

6.     Vietnamese Aspire for Healthy Hearts: Be Active for a Healthier Heart — This easy-to-read, bilingual Vietnamese and English booklet explains the importance of daily physical activity to prevent heart disease.

   http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/viet_facts/viet-pa.pdf

7.   Fast Food & Soft Drinks: How to Make Healthier Choices (Korean) (Copyright © University of California, Berkeley) — This publication discusses what parents can do to help their children make healthier choices when eating fast food. It provides tips on ordering smaller portions and reducing the amount of sugar in you child's diet.

   http://nature.berkeley.edu/cwh/PDFs/CWH_Korean_fastfoods.pdf

8.   Fast Food & Soft Drinks: How to Make Healthier Choices (Vietnamese) (Copyright © University of California, Berkeley) — This publication discusses what parents can do to help their children make healthier choices when eating fast food. It provides tips on ordering smaller portions and reducing the amount of sugar in you child's diet.

   http://nature.berkeley.edu/cwh/PDFs/CWH_Vietnamese_fastfoods.pdf

9.   How Can I Manage My Weight? (Copyright © American Heart Association) — This fact sheet provides information to help those who want to learn how to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Included in this publication is a chart to keep track of weight and to set personal weight loss goals.

   http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/110167860217928%20ManageMyWeight.pdf...

Organizations

1.   CDC's WISEWOMAN — Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation
2.   Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, FCS, FNCS, USDA
3.   Food and Nutrition Information Center, NAL, USDA
4.   Nutrition.Gov
5.   Office of Minority and Women's Health, CDC, HHS
6.   Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS
7.   Smallstep.gov
8.   Weight-Control Information Network, NIDDK, NIH, HHS
9. American Heart Association
10. American Obesity Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Resources reviewed March 2008.