Running Head: A NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR OBESE WOMEN

A Needs Assessment for Obese Women in Whatcom County Valerie Griffith Western Washington University

A NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR OBESE WOMEN Introduction This needs assessment examines a major issue facing women today: obesity. Factors that lead to obesity are behaviors, environment and genes. Obesity can lead to further illness such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and even cancer. There are different programs in Whatcom County that work with obese women such as Curves and nutritionists, but obese women find it hard to stick with these plans. A new program that offers women a place to socialize, share stories and tips and offer discount gym prices may be a solution. If there were a new program in Whatcom County that motivated women to stick with a routine through peer support and motivation, then the wellbeing of women in Whatcom County would increase overtime. The amount of obese women in Whatcom County would decrease and their health will show improvement. Also, healthier mothers can inspire healthy lifestyles for future generations. Description of Problem According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the amount of obese people in the United States has increased dramatically over the last 20 years and remains high. Half of our country had a prevalence of obesity greater than 20% in 2000. In 2010, there were no states with a prevalence of obesity less than 20% (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). According to the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, 60% of Whatcom Countys population is obese (Washington State Department of Health, 2008). According to the Womens Funding Alliance (2004), one in four women is affected by obesity in Whatcom County (Health and Well-Being, p. 37). Due to the growing number of women affected by obesity in the US and in Whatcom County, it is important for us to understand the needs of this population. Obesity is a significant

Running Head: A NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR OBESE WOMEN

issue among women today. According to Womens Health (2009), BMI is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight, and if your BMI is over 30, you are considered obese (Overweight, obesity, and weight loss fact sheet). One major risk factor for obesity is behaviors. Behaviors include eating too many calories and not having a well-balanced diet. Another behavior that leads to obesity is not exercising and living a sedentary lifestyle. In this generation, it is easier for people to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and not take the time to eat well and work out. According to the CDC (2008), Whatcom Countys percent of people who work out is on the low end of the percentile, meaning that Whatcom County is fairly active.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). US obesity trends. Retrieved on April 20, 2012 from: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html#State. Washington State Department of Health. (2008). Center for health statistics: behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS). Retrieved on April 20, 2012 from: http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/health/pdf/brfss_report2007.pdf Womens Funding Alliance. (2004). Health and well-being. Retrieved on April 22, 2012 from: http://www.wfalliance.org/work/acloserlook/WFA_Health_WellBeing.pdf Womens Health. (2009). Overweight, obesity, and weight loss fact sheet. Retrieved on April 21, 2012 from: http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/factsheet/overweight-weight-loss.cfm#b

A NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR OBESE WOMEN