The calculation of Body
Mass Index (BMI) is an important measurement tool for determining relative
disease risk for preventable conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and
heart disease. These conditions may be controlled and/or prevented by
maintaining a healthy weight relative to height. For instance, the higher the
BMI number above the normal range (18-25), the greater the degree of
overweight.
National indicators for
obesity, as determined by the BMI report that women are more likely to have
higher BMI’s in comparison to men. In addition, minority women including
African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans are more likely to have a
higher BMI in comparison to white women. However, recent research suggests that
current standards for measuringBMI may not be accurate for African American
women. Read the article “Ethnic-Specific BMI and Waist Circumference
Thresholds” and create a 4- to 5-page report in Microsoft Word document
that covers the following:
·
Explain why the current BMI scale may not be an accurate measure
of obesity for African American women.
·
How can these findings impact the manner in which physicians
communicate with their female patients about weight loss and disease
prevention? In your explanation, be sure to describe at least one positive and
one negative implication that these findings might have on how physicians
counsel their female patients regarding weight-loss.
·
What influence might these findings have on societal perceptions
of body image and weight loss?
·
Explain how an accurate perception of body image is associated
with appropriate weight-control behavior.
·
What social and cultural factors influence African American
women’s risk of becoming obese?
·
What role do the media play in promoting healthy eating behaviors
in women and girls?
·
What can be the implications for healthcare policy as a result of
the findings of the study?
Support your responses
with examples.
Cite any sources in APA
format.
