BEST PRACTICES :: RESOURCES
The Indian Health Service (IHS) recognizes the epidemic obesity rate among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). In the 1960s the leading nutritional concern among AI/AN was widespread hunger. Today we face a new health challenge, escalating obesity rates. In the general population 1 in 5 children are overweight and among AI/AN 2 in 5 children are overweight. Indian Health Service is working to engage IHS Areas, local health facilities, and tribal communities in developing long-range, culturally competent, multidisciplinary, effective overweight and obesity treatments and preventative interventions for the diverse AI/AN population. Standardization of Height and Weight Data will result in improved tools for planning and evaluation. These efforts are crucial, as the risk of death rises with increasing weight. The health care cost and the human cost for obesity is high. Your efforts nationally, regionally, and locally make a difference.
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