Why Weight for later: Weight Loss and its Effect on your Health

Raekwon Keenan Lucero

Jemez Pueblo

Fig. 3 Lucero, Raekwon. "Mountain man" 2025

Fig. 1 Pueblo of Jemez. www.jemezpueblo.org.

Fig. 2 Lucero, Raekwon. “Hello DC”, 2024.

Research Log 1: Identity

"How place names impact the way we see landscape"

by B. Toatsie

The article dives into places and the names given to them. It offers a look into the colonial perspective from which these names were given. Adding what they mean in indigenous terms adds perspective to one's views on the names. The article shares the ideologies with multiple sources from Dine speakers to historians of Yosemite Valley.

Armstrong, Jeanette. 1996 “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community,” Pp 460- 470 in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds.), The Case Against the Global Economy, San Francisco, CA: Sierra Club Books

Image Citation: Fig 4. Lucero, Raekwon "Sky" 2025

"And then I went to School."

by Joe Suina

A short autobiography about the life of Joe Suina as a young boy. While primarily focusing on the elementary years of his life, Joe Suina talks about his years from 5 to 12. Throughout the autobiography, readers get a glimpse of assimilation firsthand. From elementary to boarding school, and how Joe Suina went to school.

Suina Joe. (1985). “And Then I Went to School: Memories of a Pueblo Childhood”. New Mexico Journal of Reading, 5(2)

Image Citation Fig. 5 Lucero, Raekwon "Field" 2026

"Sharing One's Skin"

by Jeanette Armstrong

The article talks about oneself. Jeanette Armstrong tells a story about her selves. Those being Physical, Emotional, Thinking, Intellectual self, and Spiritual. She speaks on how these qualities define her people as more rooted within themselves.

Tootsie B. (May 1st, 2022). “How place names impact the way we see landscape. High Country News: Know the West.”

Image Citation: Fig. 6 Lucero, Raekwon "what are you looking at" 2025

Research Log 2: History

"Indigenous Foods"

by The National Indian Council On Aging, Inc. (NICOA)

The Article "Indigenous Foods" Provides a deep and rich perspective on food from the Indigenous peoples of North America. From the vast early nomadic lifestyles to the commodities of today. The article also provides evidence and key details for what works and doesn't work for Indigenous Peoples. Lastly the article provided programs and other examples of steps to regain our "food sovereignty from the federal government.

“Indigenous Foods.” NICOA - National Indian Council on Aging, www.nicoa.org/elder-resources/indigenous-foods.

Image Citation: Fig 7. Lucero, Raekwon "Easter" 2026

Image Citation: Fig. 8 Lucero Raekwon "Orange" 2026

"The Epidemic of Obesity in American Indian Communities and the need for Childhood Obesity prevention Programs"

by Mary Story, Marguerite Evans, Richard R. Fabsitz, Theresa E. Clay, Bonnie Holy Rock, and Brenda Broussard.

American Indians have a high prevalence of obesity at all ages and in both sexes. With high rates of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in American Indians, it's crucial to start and have an impact in our community now rather than later. This is why the need for programs that fight obesity needs to be started at an early age. Many studies and programs have tried to find solutions for adults, but those that have actually proven to be helpful have succeeded. With that being said, most programs that do have success come from ones that target children and young adults.

Story, M., Evans, M., Fabsitz, R. R., Clay, T. E., Rock, B. H., & Broussard, B. (1999). The epidemic of obesity in American Indian communities and the need for childhood obesity-prevention programs. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(4), 747S-754S. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/69.4.747S

"Association between obesity and history of abuse among American Indians in Rural California"

by Felicia Hodge, M. Susan Stemmler, and Karabi Nandy

The article talks about the factors that create an unhealthy eating habit. They ranged from verbal and physical abuse to neglect. Along with this, the article cited a group in California that took surveys where they found these in relation to obesity. Alongside this, the article found that obesity is directly linked with other diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Diabetes.

Hodge, F., Stemmler, M. S., & Nandy, K. (2014). Association between Obesity and History of Abuse among American Indians in Rural California. Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy, 4, 1000208. https://doi.org/10.4172/2165-7904.1000208

Image Citation: Fig. 9 Lucero Raekwon "Bridge" 2026

Research Log 3: Current State

"Correlates of overweight and obesity in American Indian Children"

by Tami Jollie-Trottier, PHD, Jeffrey E. Holm, PHD, and J. Douglas McDonald, PHD

The article talks about Native American kids in the study who were overweight or obese. It stated that what mattered most wasn’t just diet or exercise, but how kids felt about their bodies; those who were more unhappy with their weight were more likely to diet and have a higher BMI. Even though many knew what healthy foods were, they still watched more TV and didn’t always act on those habits. Overall, the article suggests that behaviors and feelings about weight play a bigger role than just knowing what’s healthy.

Image Citation: Fig. 10 Lucero Raekwon "Steak House"

"BMI Status and Trends among Native American Family Members. Participating in the Growing Resilience Home Garden Study"

by Felix Naschold

The article talks about BMI levels in Native American families and found that most adults and many children were overweight or obese, similar to national trends. It also showed that obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases in these communities. The study looked at both kids and adults together and found patterns like BMI increasing with age and being higher in girls in some cases. Overall, the article emphasizes the need for better nutrition programs and a return to traditional Indigenous foods to improve health.

Image Citation: Fig 11. Lucero Raekwon "Snow" 2025

Research Log 4: Global Connections

A Scoping Review of Obesity among Indigenous Peoples in Canada

A review of obesity rates among Indigenous people in Canada, as some areas on the reservation are often not included in national health surveys. The review found that First Nations on reservations usually have higher obesity rates than people off the reservation and non-Indigenous peoples. Obesity rates also change depending on the region in northwestern communities. Alongside this, women tend to have higher obesity rates than men. The study also pointed out gaps in the research and says more studies are needed on diet, environment, and food access to better understand obesity in these communities.

---. “A Scoping Review of Obesity Among Indigenous Peoples in Canada.” J Obes, journal-article, 3 May 2019, https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9741090.

Image Citation: (“Canada Reservations - PDF - DIGITAL MAP (STATIC)”)

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adult indigenous population in Brazil: A systematic review with meta-analysis

This Article was review and analysis on obesity and overweight individuals in Indigenous people in Brazil. The review concluded that about forty-five percent of indigenous people were over weight or obese. Some key groups included - Parkateje, Auruk, and Kaiouia tribes. This analysis and reviews showed that there needs to be adequite health care for Indigenous populations in Brazil.

Baldoni, Nayara Ragi, et al. “Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the Adult Indigenous Population in Brazil: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.” Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome Clinical Research & Reviews, vol. 13, no. 3, Mar. 2019, pp. 1705–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2019.03.024.

Image Citation: (“Map of Brazil Indicating Indigenous Reserves (Shaded in Black) And ...”)

Sociocultural Influences Contribute to Overeating and Unhealthy Eating: Creating and Maintaining an Obesogenic Social Environment in Indigenous Communities in Urban Fiji

This article talks about Pacific Islanders and how their own culture has pushbacks on promoting healthy lifestyles. The article explains in great detail on just how much their culture and their limitations disown the Idea of weight loss. Whether that be processed foods being cheaper and more readily available rather than fresh produce which is the exact opposite. The topic of this also relates and continues into the fast food industries, alongside this it dwells on the economy as it creates a financial burden which then affects the healthcare system.

Buksh, Shazna M., et al. “Sociocultural Influences Contribute to Overeating and Unhealthy Eating: Creating and Maintaining an Obesogenic Social Environment in Indigenous Communities in Urban Fiji.” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 14, July 2022, p. 2803. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142803.

Image Citation: (“Fiji Map for Google Slides and PowerPoint - PPT Slides”)

Action Plans 1 & 2

Action Plan 1 "The hardest part is starting"

To address the issue at hand, I first needed to start with what the bigger issue was, that being the food that we consume. For my first action plan, I created a meal that was not only healthy but also delicious. My menu consisted of protein pasta and white chocolate matcha clusters. It was a fun way to find foods that not only tasted the same as the foods that we normally eat, but also found healthier alternatives when it comes to ingredients.

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Action Plan 2 "Fun Run/walk"

My second action plan was a cohesive and elaborate approach to my community. In partnership with my friend Brian Madalena and the Jemez Public Health Department, we created a Fun/Run Walk. Stemming from both experience and ambition, it was a hit not only with our families but also with the community. It was a fun and physical time with many participants stating that while they were new to the physical activity, they didn't mind as they were having fun doing it as well.

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Bibliography

Citation 1: Armstrong, Jeanette. 1996 “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community,” Pp 460- 470 in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds.), The Case Against the Global Economy, San Francisco, CA: Sierra Club Books

Citation 2: Suina Joe. (1985). “And Then I Went to School: Memories of a Pueblo Childhood”. New Mexico Journal of Reading, 5(2)

Citation 3: Tootsie B. (May 1st, 2022). “How place names impact the way we see landscape. High Country News: Know the West.”

Healthy diet 2025, World Health Organization. www.who.int/initiatives/behealthy/healthy-diet.

Accessed October 27,2025

Citation 4: “Indigenous Foods.” NICOA - National Indian Council on Aging, www.nicoa.org/elder-resources/indigenous-foods.

Citation 5: Story, M., Evans, M., Fabsitz, R. R., Clay, T. E., Rock, B. H., & Broussard, B. (1999). The epidemic of obesity in American Indian communities and the need for childhood obesity-prevention programs. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(4), 747S-754S. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/69.4.747S

Citation 6: Hodge, F., Stemmler, M. S., & Nandy, K. (2014). Association between Obesity and History of Abuse among American Indians in Rural California. Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy, 4, 1000208. https://doi.org/10.4172/2165-7904.1000208

Citation 7: Lucero, Antuane. Interview. Conducted by Raekwon Lucero, September 14, 2025.

Citation 8: Lucero, Zandra. Interview. Conducted by Raekwon Lucero, September 16, 2025.

Citation 9: Moquino, Carlton. Interview. Conducted by Raekwon Lucero, October 21, 2025.

Citation 10: Trujillo, Hannah. Interview. Conducted by Raekwon Lucero, October 22, 2025.

History and Oppression In-Class Reading Activity

Kelly, Lawrence C. Federal Indian Policy. Chelsea House, 1990.

Citation 11: Crespin, Joelene. Interview. Conducted by Raekwon Lucero, February 4, 2026.

Video Citations

Corn cobs hanging on post by

Citation 12: Batal, Malek, and Stéphane Decelles. “A Scoping Review of Obesity Among Indigenous Peoples in Canada.” Journal of Obesity, vol. 2019, June 2019, pp. 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9741090.

Citation 13: Baldoni, N., Aquino, J., Alves, G., Sartorelli, D., Franco, L., Madeira, S., & Fabbro, A. (2019). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adult indigenous population in Brazil: A systematic review with meta-analysis.. Diabetes & metabolic syndrome, 13 3, 1705-1715 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2019.03.024.

Citation 14: Buksh, Shazna M., et al. “Sociocultural Influences Contribute to Overeating and Unhealthy Eating: Creating and Maintaining an Obesogenic Social Environment in Indigenous Communities in Urban Fiji.” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 14, July 2022, p. 2803. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142803.

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