Weight management among patients at community health centers: The 'be Fit, Be Well' study

摘要

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, with more than an estimated 32% of Americans classified as obese. Obesity has serious consequences for both morbidity and mortality, and is related to chronic health conditions including hypertension, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Obesity is particularly prevalent among lower income and some racial/ethnic minority populations. The prevalence of hypertension is greater among African Americans than any other racial/ ethnic group in the United States. Furthermore death rates from hypertension are higher among African Americans than Caucasians.