Survey Highlights Health Disparities in Obesity During Minority Health Month

Minority Health Month serves as an important reminder of the ongoing health disparities that individuals face daily, including those related to obesity. Obesity has a significant impact on women of color, affecting 57% of Black women and 43% of Hispanic women. Additionally, the disease is associated with several other chronic health conditions, such as breast and ovarian cancer – both of which disproportionately affect women of color.   

existing structural care barriers 

Recent data from an Ipsos survey on women’s preventive health, conducted by EveryBODY Covered’s convenor, Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention (AWHP) , revealed unique structural barriers related to obesity care:   

• Compared to White women, women of color are more likely to struggle with affordability (24%), lack of information about treatment options (17%), and difficulty finding a provider who meets their needs (17%). 

These challenges further prevent women of color from accessing the care they need, exacerbating existing health disparities. 

access to obesity care providers 

The survey also showed that:  

• White women are more likely to consider consulting a specialist regarding obesity (85%) than women of color (76%). 

• While not statistically significant, a greater proportion of White women reported feeling comfortable discussing obesity-related concerns with their healthcare provider (81% vs. 74%). 

These disparities underscore the persistent barriers women of color face in receiving proper obesity care, contributing to worsening health inequities. As we acknowledge these challenges during Minority Health Month, it’s clear that the time to act is now.   

the importance of comprehensive obesity care  

By providing evidence-based comprehensive obesity care – which includes medical nutrition services, behavioral therapy, surgery and FDA-approved obesity management medications – for all, we can begin to address these existing health inequalities and close care gaps.  

As CEO of AWHP, Millicent Gorham, emphasizes, “This Minority Health Month, we remind ourselves of why we are working to support women, especially women of color, in the fight for obesity care. The survey results reveal the many ways that women of color are disproportionately affected by obesity, and we are committed to ensuring they have access to the full range of comprehensive obesity care options.” EveryBODY deserves coverage for obesity care – it’s only fair.