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KP's Institute for Culturally Competent Care continually seeks to consider and respect the cultural needs of every member at every point of contact. Providing culturally competent weight management is an organizational priority. African American and Mexican American populations are at much greater risk for obesity and comorbid conditions than is the non-Hispanic white population. While our member education materials are available in at least two languages (English and Spanish), translating the concept of weight management cross-culturally requires more than using a different language. Cultural differences regarding dietary preferences and weight-related issues must be also considered and respected. For instance, in Northern California, a KP weight management training program for pediatricians encourages them to help families modify traditional Latino foods in the following ways:

• Encourage corn, rather than flour, tortillas
• Adapt recipes to reduce cheese and other fats
• Promote use of nonfat milk
• Promote the selection of non-fried foods
• Emphasize the importance of a larger meal at breakfast or lunch.

Stigma and discrimination associated with obesity
Pervasive bias, stigma, and discrimination against individuals who are overweight and obese has been well-documented. These complex social forces significantly impact how individuals experience weight management strategies and health care in general. Bias and discrimination can be unintentionally communicated through many verbal and non-verbal messages. At KP, we're currently focusing on how we talk to our obese, overweight, and at risk members. Based on the excellent work of researchers at The Rudd Institute, we're encouraging clinicians to change the way they think--and talk--about weight management.

Kaiser Permanente has developed clinical education training and tools to address bias and discrimination as detailed above.