Honorable Mention Winner
In the Hispanic community, there are multiple factors that increase the probability of obesity. Among them are the diets and changes in diets over the past several decades, lifestyles and urbanization that have promoted sedentarism, status in society and stratification, education, and gender. Among the populations, women have higher risk of obesity in the Hispanic community. Education and socioeconomic status plays differing roles in the rates of obesity in developed and developing countries. Socioeconomic status affects the resources and support that are available. Urbanization increases the likelihood of adopting diets that are higher in fats and refined sugars, as well as adapting lifestyles that are more sedentary. Obesity is a major risk factor in the development of chronic diseases which can lead to premature death. Obesity is also a condition that increases the likelihood of transmission of COVID-19. It is imperative for us to understand the various factors that increase the likelihood of obesity in order to better treat it. The disparities between different groups and societal changes must be addressed to lower the rates of obesity in minorities
