Running head: OBESITY AMONG HAWAIIANS 1
Obesity Among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
Edited by Karla Dalley
South University Online
, OBESITY AMONG HAWAIIANS 2
Obesity among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
Obesity of various populations has become an increasing concern both nationally and in
the State of Hawaii. Statistics about obesity among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
(NHPI) reveals alarming health disparities for this underserved population. The U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) Office of Minority Health (2013) found
that in 2011 NHPI were “almost four times more likely to be obese than the overall Asian
American population [and] 30 percent more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic Whites” (para
1). Despite these statistics, NHPI are underrepresented in health care research. The Office of
Hawaiian Affairs (OAH) in 2010 indicated it is important to develop programs addressing the
multiple risk factors and consequences of obesity in the NHPI population, but it is challenging
since determinants of obesity cover environmental, social, psychological and biological factors.
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) are in an excellent position to be leaders in efforts to
reduce obesity among the NHPI population in several important ways such as encouraging
participation of patients in obesity prevention and treatment programs, cooperating with or
conducting research, and supporting legislation and health policy that promotes and supports
healthy lifestyles. Effective health promotion and obesity treatment programs that are shown to
be effective through research are needed to reduce the level of obesity among NHPI living in
Hawaii and elsewhere. Decreasing obesity in this population would improve health disparities,
reduce the healthcare burden of obesity and improve the overall health of all Hawaiians. To be
effective, obesity reduction programs must be both culturally based and participatory.
Background and Significance of the Problem
Obesity is a rising epidemic in the United States and in the State of Hawaii. The issue of
obesity is important to address since obesity is a risk factor for other health problems such as
diabetes and heart and kidney diseases. Obesity continues to be a problem in the U.S. despite
Obesity Among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
Edited by Karla Dalley
South University Online
, OBESITY AMONG HAWAIIANS 2
Obesity among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
Obesity of various populations has become an increasing concern both nationally and in
the State of Hawaii. Statistics about obesity among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
(NHPI) reveals alarming health disparities for this underserved population. The U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) Office of Minority Health (2013) found
that in 2011 NHPI were “almost four times more likely to be obese than the overall Asian
American population [and] 30 percent more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic Whites” (para
1). Despite these statistics, NHPI are underrepresented in health care research. The Office of
Hawaiian Affairs (OAH) in 2010 indicated it is important to develop programs addressing the
multiple risk factors and consequences of obesity in the NHPI population, but it is challenging
since determinants of obesity cover environmental, social, psychological and biological factors.
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) are in an excellent position to be leaders in efforts to
reduce obesity among the NHPI population in several important ways such as encouraging
participation of patients in obesity prevention and treatment programs, cooperating with or
conducting research, and supporting legislation and health policy that promotes and supports
healthy lifestyles. Effective health promotion and obesity treatment programs that are shown to
be effective through research are needed to reduce the level of obesity among NHPI living in
Hawaii and elsewhere. Decreasing obesity in this population would improve health disparities,
reduce the healthcare burden of obesity and improve the overall health of all Hawaiians. To be
effective, obesity reduction programs must be both culturally based and participatory.
Background and Significance of the Problem
Obesity is a rising epidemic in the United States and in the State of Hawaii. The issue of
obesity is important to address since obesity is a risk factor for other health problems such as
diabetes and heart and kidney diseases. Obesity continues to be a problem in the U.S. despite
