Mission
The Latino Obesity Foundation is committed to advancing health and well-being within the Latino community by addressing the root causes of obesity and promoting a comprehensive approach to prevention, education, and treatment.
Our mission is to provide culturally relevant, science-based education on healthy eating, lifestyle, and obesity management — empowering people to make informed choices that foster long-term wellness and help prevent obesity-related health disparities.
Vision
We envision a community where individuals affected by obesity are treated with dignity and respect, have equal access to care, and are empowered to take control of their health journey.
By focusing on educational resources, preventive care, and community support, we aim to reduce obesity rates and the prevalence of obesity-related conditions, improving quality of life for Latino families across generations.
At a glance
- Organization
- Latino Obesity Foundation (LOF)
- Structure
- California nonprofit public benefit corporation; 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
- Location
- San Diego, California
- Purpose
- To support the Latino community in overcoming obesity through education, advocacy, and equitable access to preventive health measures
- Focus
- Education, prevention, childhood and family health, reduction of weight stigma
- Languages
- English and Spanish
Five things we hold ourselves to
Culturally relevant education
Educational resources on healthy eating, obesity prevention, and lifestyle management — grounded in current science, free from conflicts of interest, and built for the language and culture of the communities we serve.
Healthy eating and sustainable habits
Practical guidance toward whole, nutrient-dense foods and lifestyle changes people can actually keep, rather than short-term diets that are abandoned within months.
Prevention and access to care
Better understanding of preventive measures and supportive obesity treatment, with attention to the health disparities that affect Latino communities.
Childhood obesity and family health
Early habits shape lifelong health. We focus on family-centered education that helps parents and children build healthy foundations together.
Respect, dignity, and empowerment
A community where people affected by obesity find reliable information and support, and are treated with dignity rather than blame.
Why a new organization
Obesity is a complex, chronic condition that disproportionately affects Latino communities. Limited access to healthcare, cost and availability of food, cultural dietary patterns, language barriers, and a shortage of targeted educational resources all contribute. Existing organizations do important work, but few address this specific combination of challenges directly.
The Latino Obesity Foundation was formed to help fill that gap by:
- Providing culturally relevant education. Developing materials and programs in Spanish and English that respect cultural nuance rather than translating around it.
- Building community support. Creating networks that offer practical support to individuals and families, and encouraging open, non-judgmental conversation about weight and health.
- Addressing childhood obesity. Supporting family-centered approaches that help children build healthy habits early.
- Reducing weight stigma. Changing how weight is discussed, so that shame stops being a barrier to seeking care.
What this means for society
- Healthier communities. Reducing obesity rates lowers the burden of related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Greater health equity. Addressing disparities in access to education and care promotes fairness.
- Stronger families. Health habits learned at home carry into the next generation.
Founder and board
Biographies are published only once each person has reviewed and approved their own. We do not publish credentials we have not verified.