Reyna: How IDEA Mission is taking action against rising obesity rates

In the Rio Grande Valley, where over 75 percent of citizens are overweight and 40 percent classify as clinically obese—double the national rate—the pressing issue of obesity has sparked concern among residents and healthcare providers alike. Overlooking this epidemic claims over 300,000 lives annually in the United States.

Recognizing the urgency, the IDEA Mission HOSA Obesity Awareness Campaign has taken proactive measures to address this critical health issue head-on.

Obesity, a multifaceted condition influenced by genetic predisposition, certain diseases, medication, and dietary habits, finds its roots deeply embedded in socioeconomic factors in the Rio Grande Valley. High rates of immigration and poverty contribute to the accessibility of foods high in saturated fat and sugars, perpetuating unhealthy dietary patterns and driving up obesity rates.

Left untreated, obesity significantly heightens the risk of developing chronic health complications such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and various cancers. Its correlation with mental health disorders, including body dysmorphia, eating disorders, clinical depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders, further exacerbate the challenges posed by obesity.

In response to these alarming trends, IDEA Mission’s HOSA Obesity Awareness Campaign has launched a series of initiatives aimed at educating and empowering the community. Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the campaign disseminates information and shares healthy recipe videos and weight-loss tips, engaging with residents of their community online. 

Additionally, the six high school seniors heading up this campaign have been actively involved in taking their message directly to the community. They visited various clinics and local events, distributing informative brochures to provide essential information on obesity prevention and healthy living. Moreover, they organized a successful fundraiser for healthy food plates, emphasizing the importance of nutritious eating habits. One of their notable achievements was the organization of an Obesity Awareness 5K event held in January 2024, which brought together community members to raise awareness and promote healthier lifestyles through physical activity. These hands-on efforts demonstrate the dedication and commitment of the students in making a tangible impact on combating obesity in their community.

In addition to its ongoing efforts, the HOSA Obesity Awareness Campaign is actively working on expanding its outreach initiatives, collaborating with organizations like the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, Texas Children in Nature Network, and other local businesses. Currently, the group is focused on organizing expositions where they aim to provide the public with resources to kickstart their weight loss journey. These expositions will offer valuable information, guidance, and support to individuals looking to make positive changes in their lives.

Furthermore, the campaign is in the process of arranging a series of interviews with various healthcare professionals. These interviews will cover a range of topics related to obesity, including prevention, treatment options, and lifestyle changes. The group plans to share these insightful discussions on their social media platforms, including TikTok (@obesity.awareness.hosa) and Instagram (@mission_hosa_obesity_awareness), reaching a wider audience and furthering their mission to raise awareness and promote healthier lifestyles in the community.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Clarissa Reyna, a student at IDEA Academy-Mission and a member of its HOSA cohort. The column appears in The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the permission of the author. HOSA is a global student-led organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services and several federal and state agencies. HOSA’s mission is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration, and experience. HOSA actively promotes career opportunities in the health industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA’s goal is to encourage all health science instructors and students to affiliate and be actively involved in the HSE-HOSA Partnership.

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