The obesity epidemic has become one of the most pressing health issues in the U.S., with nearly 75% of adults having excess weight or obesity as of November 2024.1
While the prevalence of obesity affects all communities, it impacts Black and Hispanic communities more than others. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data collected from 2017-2018, nearly 50% of Black adults and about 45% of Hispanic adults live with obesity in the U.S., compared to around 42% of non-Hispanic white adults.1 These disparities can have a big impact, especially given the increased risk for obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.2
Obesity: Not a One-Size-Fits-All Condition
The disproportionate impact of obesity on Black and Hispanic communities in the U.S. may be influenced by genetic, societal, or cultural factors, including:
- Genetic and Biological Factors: Compared to non-Hispanic white adults, differences in the genetic backgrounds of Black and Hispanic individuals can influence body composition and fat distribution, which may make it easier to gain weight or develop obesity.3
- Social Determinants of Health: Black and Hispanic communities in the U.S. more frequently face challenges around access to affordable, nutritious food and safe spaces to be active, which may contribute to higher rates of obesity.4 Population data from 2021 showed that approximately 20% of Black households and 16% of Hispanic households experienced food insecurity, compared to 7% of white households.5 Food insecurity is defined as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.5,6
While income can be a factor linked to food insecurity for anyone, Black and Hispanic households in the U.S. still experience higher rates of food insecurity than white households—even when they have similar incomes and household characteristics.5
- Cultural Factors: Culture can have a substantial influence across many aspects of a person’s life, even impacting body image, food choices, eating habits, and attitudes towards weight. Additionally, certain factors related to one′s culture, like foods, traditions, and activities, may play a role in shaping eating habits.7
Differences in type and extent of consumer marketing may also account for cultural differences in patterns of nutrition. One study from 2015 showed that Black and Hispanic consumers are more frequently targeted with marketing for low-nutrient food and drinks.8 Low-income and minority families can also face additional barriers that can contribute to increased obesity rates including racism and chronic stress.9
- Stigmas and Inequitable Care: Weight bias and stigma can make it hard for anyone to seek help or receive adequate care for obesity, regardless of race. Research shows that weight bias in healthcare may contribute to healthcare professional (HCP) assumptions about patient behavior, or a lack of understanding of obesity as a complex disease.9,10
What You Can Do
- Know your risk factors for developing obesity: Take the time to understand your family's health history in partnership with your HCP, as it can provide valuable insights into your own risk factors for obesity and related conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.2,11
- Embrace lifestyle changes: While weight management is not as simple as just “eating less and moving more,” a fundamental part of any obesity management plan is lifestyle intervention, which can include increased physical activity and a healthy eating plan.12 It's important to find the exercise and nutrition plan that works best for you, and seeking guidance from an HCP can provide valuable support tailored to your specific needs.
- Talk to your doctor about treatment options: Obesity is a complex disease, and you shouldn’t have to tackle it on your own.13 You can advocate for the care you need and deserve by starting a conversation with your HCP. At your next visit, you can help guide the conversation by talking through your weight history and what's most important to you – this could include sharing about how your weight may be affecting your daily activities, previous weight loss attempts, or any weight-related health concerns you may have. Partnering with an HCP is a crucial part of creating a successful plan to help manage your weight. A comprehensive and individualized treatment plan looks different for everyone and may include lifestyle interventions alone or alongside medications or surgery, as appropriate.
Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Finding an HCP who you feel comfortable with and is the right fit for you is an essential first step toward losing weight and keeping it off.
Find your community: Talking about your weight and health can be difficult and requires openness and vulnerability, so it’s important to find people you feel comfortable with to connect about these issues. Consider reaching out to caring family members, friends, a counselor, trusted community leaders, or local support groups. Organizations like the Obesity Action Coalition can help you connect with others who have faced or are facing similar challenges in their weight management journey.
A Path Forward: Empowering Communities to Overcome Obesity
While there is still a need to increase access to care for people living with obesity, support is available for those seeking to manage their weight and health. It’s important for individuals and families – especially those in communities at higher risk – to arm themselves with knowledge that can help them advocate for the compassionate care they deserve. Through understanding your risk factors and treatment options, seeking out trusted HCP partnerships, embracing personalized lifestyle changes, and connecting with supportive communities, you can take meaningful steps toward long-term weight management.
Together, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to manage their weight and health.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Overweight & Obesity Statistics. Last accessed March 2025. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity
US Department of Health & Human Services. Office of Minority Health. Obesity and African Americans. 2025. Last accessed March 2025. Available at: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/obesity-and-blackafrican-americans
Lee, Alexandra, et al. Social and Environmental Factors Influencing Obesity. In: Feingold KR, ed. Endotext. MDText.com, Inc. October 12, 2019.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Adult Obesity in the United States: CDC’s Tracking to Inform State and Local Action. Last accessed March 2025. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2019/18_0579.htm
Economic Research Service. Household Food Insecurity Across Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 2016–21. Last accessed March 2025. Available at: https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details?pubid=108904
Economic Research Service. Food Security in the U.S. - Definitions of Food Security. Last accessed March 2025. Available at: https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/definitions-of-food-security
Dao MC, Thiron S, Messer E, Sergeant C, et al. Cultural influences on the regulation of energy intake and obesity: a qualitative study comparing food customs and attitudes to eating in adults from France and the United States. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 28;13(1):63. doi: 10.3390/nu13010063. PMID: 33379179; PMCID: PMC7824151.
UConn Rudd Center. Increasing Disparities in Unhealthy Food Advertising Targeted to Hispanic and Black Youth. Last accessed March 2025. Available at: https://media.ruddcenter.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2909/2024/06/TargetedMarketingReport2019.pdf
Washington TB, Johnson VR, Kendrick K, et al. Disparities in access and quality of obesity care. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2023;52(2):429-441. doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2023.02.003
Capoccia, D., Milani, I., Colangeli, L., et al. Social, cultural and ethnic determinants of obesity: from pathogenesis to treatment. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2025;35(5):103901. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2025.103901.
Rasooly, D., Moonesinghe, R., Littrell, et al. Association between a first‐degree family history and self‐reported personal history of obesity, diabetes, and heart and blood conditions: results from the all of us research program. J Am Heart Assoc. 2023;12(22), e030779. doi:10.1161/JAHA.123.030779.
Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, Garber Aj, et al.; Reviewers of the AACE/ACE obesity clinical practice guidelines. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for medical care of patients with obesity. Endocr Pract. 2016;22(Suppl 3):1-203. doi:10.4158/EP161365.GL.
Mayo Clinic. Obesity. Last accessed March 2025. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742