@unpublished{pittir36087, month = {April}, title = {A rapid literature review of health literacy as a determinant of familial obesity levels}, school = {University of Pittsburgh}, author = {Shannon Whitaker}, year = {2019}, url = {http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/36087/}, abstract = {Obesity can result in increased medical costs, risk for chronic diseases, and decreases in quality of life. Multiple factors influence an individual?s weight; however, their health literacy level is one factor that influences a person?s ability to make informed health choices and is often overlooked in the literature. This rapid literature review examines the prevalence, determinates, and costs associated with obesity as well as barriers individuals face in addressing the condition. Health Literacy is examined as a social determinant of health and a contributing factor to obesity. Although there is a large body of literature addressing both obesity and health literacy separately, a literature search identified only three publications which met inclusion criteria examining the relationship between obesity and health literacy. Although there are a small number of included articles and limited scope of the review, the lack of formative research did identify a significant gap. More studies are needed to define the impact and design interventions for the public. Understanding how low health literacy impacts individual?s ability to seek and understand health messages, and to make changes in their lives is of public health significance.} }