Obesity Among American Indians & Alaska Natives

The prevalence of obesity in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Although AIs are not a homogeneous group, all tribes throughout the U.S. have suffered adverse effects from the high prevalence of obesity. Overall, studies demonstrate that obesity begins early for AI/AN children and also is a significant problem for the adult population. Many chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and breathing problems are associated with the increasing prevalence of obesity in AIs. The book is organized into four major sections: a literature review that synthesizes research findings pertaining to the prevalence of obesity and examines what is known about the major determinants and consequences of obesity as well as the nature and findings of various types of clinical and community-based interventions; activities of selected federal agencies in the area of obesity and AI/ANs; summary of a site visit to the Gila River Indian Community; and directions for future research.