Differences in Obesity Rates Among Minority and White Women: The Latent Role of Maternal Stress.

Loral Patchen, George Rebok, Nan M Astone

Journal: Journal of midwifery & women's health 2017;61(4):489-96

PMID: 27355406

Abstract

White and minority women experience different rates of obesity in the United States. Yet our understanding of the dynamics that give rise to this gap remains limited. This article presents a conceptual framework that considers pathways leading to these different rates. It draws upon the life-course perspective, allostatic load, and the weathering hypothesis to identify pathways linking childbearing, stress, and obesity. This conceptual framework extends prior work by identifying age at first birth as an important parameter that influences these pathways. Empirical evidence to test these pathways is needed.

© 2016 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Link outs

Subscription / membership required

Bant logo

© Copyright 2026, Nutrition Evidence

NED wishes to thank the following organisations for their support:

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze site traffic with Google Analytics. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more.