Poor eating habits continue to put Latino families at risk

Bakersfield doctor Carlos Alvarez tells the story of the challenge he faces in getting people to eat healthy to avoid life-threatening health complications.

"If you bring me a 65-75 year-old Latina that I ask her to change her eating habits, do you think she's going to change them overnight at my recommendation? The answer is no," said Dr. Alvarez. "You see in Lamont, Arvin, Delano, and everywhere else a lot of Latinos that don't change their habits, regardless of what the doctor says!" added Alvarez.

Recent statistics analyzed by the Kern County Public Health Services Department reveal a dim picture of the county's overall health.  Nearly 80 percent--8 out of every 10 adults--are either overweight or obese, and young people are also struggling, with teens weighing in as either overweight or obese. Alvarez believes the percentage is higher.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services,

* African American women have the highest rates of obesity or being overweight compared to other groups in the United States. About 4 out of 5 African American women are overweight or obese.

* In 2018, non-Hispanic blacks were 1.3 times more likely to be obese as compared to non-Hispanic whites.

* In 2018, African American women were 50 percent more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white women.

* From 2015-2018, non-Hispanic black females were 2.3 times more likely to be overweight as compared to non-Hispanic white females.

* In 2018, African Americans were 20 percent less likely to engage in active physical activity as compared to non-Hispanic whites.

The consequences couldn't be any more dire. People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, diabetes and LDL cholesterol – all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. And in Kern County, the situation gets worse. "Kern County has the highest mortality rate due to diabetes in the state," said Public Health Director Brynn Carrigan, who added "meaning Kern County residents are more likely to die from diabetes than residents from any other county in the state."  

That means that out of 58 counties in the state, Kern County is the leader in people dying because of diabetes-related issues. According to Alvarez, Latino families are especially prone to obesity or overweight due to their diet referring to tacos, tortas, tostadas, and tamales as prime examples of foods to be avoided or eaten in moderation. Healthier foods he said, are fish, chicken, lean meats, eggs, vegetables and fresh fruit.

Obesity also complicates the body's natural way of protecting itself.  "The fatter you are, the insulin that you produce becomes blocked by the fat, preventing the insulin from working," said Alvarez.

WHY DO LATINOS HAVE A HIGH OBESITY RATE?

This is the crux question which does not have any specific answer. Health experts however generally agree that many Latino families live in areas considered "food deserts" and do not have easy access to affordable or good-quality foods. Because of this disparity, these families resort to cheaper and less nutritious alternatives. Nearly one-third of Latinos eat two or fewer servings of fruit and vegetables a day and 40% say that fruits and vegetables are too expensive. Furthermore, Latinos have the highest uninsured rate of any racial or ethnic group in the US. In 2017, 17.8% of Latinos were not covered by health insurance compared to 5.9% of non-Hispanic whites. Studies have demonstrated that uninsured people are less likely than those with insurance to receive preventive care and services for major health conditions and chronic diseases.

According to a study on Latinos and obesity by the University of California Irvine, there is a Latino health paradox phenomenon where Latinos who have recently immigrated to the United States, on average, have better health outcomes on certain indicators compared to Latino immigrants who have lived in the US longer, US-born Latinos, and non-Latino Whites. It is paradoxical because, on average, Latino immigrants who are new to the country tend to have significant social and economic disadvantages.  

Yet, research shows that Latinos who have spent a notable length of time in the United States have some of the highest percentages of obesity rates and the prevalence of obesity increases with the length of residence. 

MEDICATION COMPLIANCE

People make things worse when they fail to take their medication as directed.  "The compliance rate of taking medication amongst all groups is very poor," said Alvarez.  

Another issue is the extremely high cost of some medications, such as Arcega which is used to treat diabetes. One month's supply can cost anywhere between $500 to $700.  "Kern County has no control on pharmacy costs, one will charge you $400, another will charge $700 for the same amount of the same medication, there's no pharmaceutical control," said Alvarez.

In response to the ongoing obesity issue in Kern County, the Public Health Department recently launched a campaign called "A Healthier Kern--One Heart at a Time," aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases while

promoting healthy eating.  

Health officials stress obesity or being overweight can be prevented, but admit it is easier said than done.  Bad eating habits can be hard to break, especially among older people.  Said Dr. Alvarez, "The younger generation is a little more inclined to better health habits than the older generation."

Jose Gaspar is a former news anchor and reporter for Telemundo Bakersfield and KGET. Email elcompa29@gmail.com.

This content is supported through funding administered by the Latino Media Collaborative.