Your zip code can be a stronger predictor of your health than your genetic code.

In this episode, I dive into the complex issue of obesity in minority communities, especially during National Minority Health Month. I explore the reasons why obesity rates are disproportionately high among Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations, including food deserts, economic hardship, cultural eating habits, healthcare mistrust, and lack of safe spaces for physical activity. I also share personal stories and real-world examples to highlight these systemic barriers, and I offer practical, culturally relevant solutions from modifying traditional recipes and choosing budget-friendly healthy alternatives, to finding community support and advocating for better access to healthcare and nutritious food. 

Tune in to this episode to uncover the real reasons behind obesity in minority communities—and discover practical steps you can take to spark lasting change.

 

Episode Highlights:

• Obesity disparities in minority communities

• Impact of food deserts and limited access to fresh produce

• Economic and time constraints affecting nutrition choices

• Cultural eating patterns and recipe modification tips

• Mistrust in healthcare and language barriers

• Lack of safe spaces for physical activity

• Practical strategies for healthier eating and lifestyle changes

• Importance of community support and advocacy for health equity

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, “Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

 

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click