Osteoarthritis

Causes & Prevention

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

An Increased Risk of Disease is linked to Obesity

According to the Center for Disease Control, 30% of US adults over the age of 20 are obese and 16% of young people between the ages of 6 and 19 are also obese. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following: