Obesity/Metabolic Syndrome Cluster
A report by the National Center for
Health Statistics found that among the top five leading causes of death,
diabetes ranked fifth for both African Americans and Latinos and fourth for
Native Americans, but did not rank among the top five for whites.15 Indeed,
diabetes affects Mexican American and African Americans at a rate nearly twice
that in the white population, and the rates are even higher for Native
Americans.16 The 2000 death rate from diabetes was 47.8 for black males per
100,000 and 50.4 for black females, a rate over 50 percent higher than the
respective 25.8 and 20.6 death rate for their white counterparts.9
Obesity, or "severe overweight," is particularly prevalent in minorities. Nearly
72 percent of Mexican American women are considered overweight,18 followed by 66
percent of African American females, 56.6 percent of Hispanic females, and 45.5
percent of white women.9'19 Males have worse trends with Mexican Americans
leading at 74.7 percent, followed by 66.2 percent of Hispanic males,20 59.6
percent of white males, and more
than 57 percent of African Americans.9'21 Children follow similar trends; racial
differences in obesity and blood pressure already are present in nine- to
11-year-olds.22
Sources: Wilson PW, Kannel WB, Silbershatz H, et al.: Clustering of metabolic
factors and coronary heart disease. Arch Intern Med 159:1104-1109, 1999.
Lillie-Blanton M, Rushing OE, Ruiz S: Key Facts: Race, Ethnicity & Medical Care.
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation: June 2003.
Harris Ml, Flegal KM, Cowie CC, et al.: Prevalence of diabetes, impaired fasting
glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance in U.S. adults. The Third National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994. Diabetes Care 21(4):518-524,
1998.
Figueroa-Colon R, Franklin FA, Lee JY, et al.: Prevalence of obesity with
increased blood pressure in elementary school-aged children. South Med J90
(8):806-813, 1997.
Cluster Objectives
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To Promote intellectual exchange, generate
innovative inter- and multi-disciplinary research
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To Facilitate the movement of scientific advances across the translational
research spectrum.
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To Develop in collaboration with the DTCC additional multi-site research
projects across
disciplines that will capitalize on emerging technologic advances and unique
resources.
Cluster subgroups
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Marjorie Mau – University
of Hawai
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Rachael Novotny- University of
Hawaii
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David Martins – Charles Drew
University
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Ted Friedman- Charles Drew
University
RCMI
Cluster Scientists |
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