Zeitschrift für ernährungswissenschaftliche Forschung

Abstrakt

Prevalence of Obesity in the UK According to Sex, Age and Ethnicity: A Literature Review

Comegna S*

Abstract Objective: Obesity is one of the major public health challenge, particularly among low-income and minority groups. The aim of this review is to identify prevalence of obesity among black minority groups (BME) living in middle-upper and high-income countries with a special focus on the UK population. Methods: A literature searching was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) using the following key words: obesity, fat mass, BMI, ethnicity and minority group. Results: African and Caribbean (AC) women have the highest prevalence of obesity (38% and 32%, respectively) hypertension, type II diabetes and stroke compared to all other ethnic groups in the UK. Conclusion: The cause of obesity prevalence is not fully understood yet. Changes in the food environment, including the propagation of foods high in energy and fat content and low in nutrients, have been mirrored by the obesity epidemic among BME living in the UK. Further researches are needed to explore in depth the relationship between dietary habits and ethnic differences.