Race And Ethnicity Research Paper

Race and ethnicity are terms that are used to categorize populations on the basis of shared characteristics [22]. Ethnicity is used to categorize on the basis of cultural characteristics such as language, ancestry, traditions, dietary preferences, and history. Ethnic is the typical term used to highlight cultural characteristics. The cultural and social characteristics is thought to influence the development of obesity from conception to adulthood. Cultural factors operate largely through influences on family and social network resources and processes that affect behaviors related to energy balance (diet, activity, and inactivity). Culture has been implicated as one of the factors responsible for obesity. Thus, the standards of beauty imposed

by fashion and film are partly responsible of obsessive diets and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. But these disorders are strongly linked to obesity. In some poor countries, obesity is still a sign of success, wealth and beauty. Obese populations in these countries are wealthier unlike developed countries where obesity is a sign of poverty. For instance, from an early age until they get married, girls are fattened to appear more beautiful and attractive for their spouse.
Globalization has also been singled out: TV, fast food, sedentary leisure are known to be the cornerstones of overweight. But experts also highlighted the strong influence of socio-professional environment in general. The less favored classes are actually more affected by obesity than the upper classes.