Enhancing Weight Loss among Overweight African American Women (Essay Sample)

Enhancing Weight Loss among Overweight African American WomenName:Course:Department:Instructor:Due Date: Enhancing Weight Loss among Overweight African American Women 1. Problem statement In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we realized that the number of overweight African American women had increased. Even though a lot of African American women die every year due to heart disease, only approximately 36% of them know that heart disease is one of their greatest health risks (American Heart Association, 2019). And that’s a problem. They are also at a higher risk of having weight issues, hypertension, and diabetes unlike the non-Hispanic white women. Moreover, the rate of deaths associated with heart diseases for African American women is higher compared to that of non-Hispanic white women. 77% of women of color are either obese or overweight (Sanchis-Gomar et al., 2020). This could be attributed to reduced physical activity, reduced mobility, the stress associated with the pandemic, and poor nutrition habits. Obesity is approximately 50% higher in black women than in white women (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2019). In addition, the African American population has higher rates of diabetes and obesity. According to Dr. Chugh, obesity is among the biggest issues observed in heart disease. Almost 80% of black women are obese or overweight. This increases their chances of suffering from heart disease and other health issues like stroke. The risk of getting diabetes also increases as a woman ages (Fransiscan Health, n.d). To reduce their risk of these lifestyle diseases, we have to implement a physical exercise plan and other lifestyle changes to lose weight and to have healthier lives. 1 Goals and strategies Our goal is to help women lose the extra weight for them to achieve a normal weight. The goal is to lose weight and maintain a normal weight in the long run. In addition, we aim to help the African American women adopt healthy lifestyle habits. This would help in preventing health risks related with being overweight. The various strategies to be used in achievement of these goals include having a nutrition plan, stress management plan, and physical activities plan in their daily routine, among others. 3.  Goal statement To achieve a normal and healthy weight for overweight African American women while incorporating good nutritional habits and routine physical activity. We plan to get some results in a three-month period. However, the desired weight could be achieved in a period of one year. This is true since weight loss requires consistency and it could take quite some time to achieve the end goal. 4. Strategy description The strategy targets 10 overweight African American women. They would be identified and positively impacted by the strategy. These ten overweight people could have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 to 29.9 kg/m2 and a waist circumference of 88 cm or greater (Kabakambira et al., 2018). We plan to involve a physical trainer, a nutritionist, and a psychologist in the weight loss strategies. The physical trainer would teach the overweight women the various physical activities to be incorporated into their daily routines. This would range from simple to strenuous physical activities. The activities would help to burn fat, which would ultimately lead to weight loss. The nutritionist will offer nutrition counseling and education to the women. They would be counseled on choosing affordable and healthy food choices to help with weight loss. In addition, the nutritionist will prepare meal plans for the women based on individual energy and nutrient requirements, age, weight, height, and daily activities, among other factors. This would ensure that the amount of calorie intake is less than the amount of calorie output. Consequently, the overweight women would be able to lose the excess weight. The psychologist would help the overweight women with stress management skills. This would help to prevent binge-eating habits that are induced by high stress levels. The psychologist would also teach the overweight women about healthy coping strategies. This includes things like being involved in a hobby or physical activity, among others. Consequently, the overweight African American women would be able to lose the extra weight and thus achieve a normal and healthy weight. To implement these strategies, we identified a hall at the hospital where training would take place. This hall is only used for special occasions and celebrations at the hospital. It will therefore be convenient to use the space since it will be available. The administration gave approval to use the hall between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Preparations for the hall will take place before the training starts. Various instruments like weighing scales, tape measures, weight lifting tools and equipment, ropes, teaching aids like pamphlets and manuals, as well as model plates and cups, among others, would be brought to the hall before the training begins. The administration gave approval with regard to the following: * The nutrition department would supply the needed assessment and intervention tools for overweight women. * The physiotherapy department would provide us with various tools and equipment for carrying out physical activities. * The psychology department would provide pamphlets and manuals that would guide the women about various stress management techniques. We also identified an office that had network and computer systems. We sought approval to use the office and the machines. This would aid in the documentation and monitoring of the overweight African American women's weight loss progress. 1 Approach A team approach will be necessary to ensure the weight loss goal is effectively achieved. 6.      Project Team Members Name Department Role on Team * Ann Carlos Administration Project Director * Peter Kelvin Administration Project Leader * Tyler Porters Nutrition Nutritionist * Gabriella Martin Physiotherapy Physical Trainer * Paul Stephen Psychology Psychologist * Joy Andrew IT Computer Analyst   1 Barriers to successful implementation (actual or potential). * There is a need for more staff in the team. This would support the core team members. * It is possible that overweight African American women could get demotivated along the way to continue with their weight loss journey.   2 Implementation Steps Activity Responsible Person Due Date Seek access and approval with regard to the hall. Ann Carlos 1/11/2022 Hiring support staff Ann Carlos 2/11/2022 Planning for the necessary tools and equipment. This includes the weighing scale, tape measure, pamphlets, ropes, weight lifting tools and equipment, manuals, books, and pens, among others. Peter Kelvin ...