The health of Latinos in the U.S. has deteriorated even as their economic status has improved. Latino communities have watched as second and third generation Latinos move away from their traditional diets' reliance on beans, grains and vegetables and begin to eat more American foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat. This transition to westernized diets has led to a host of health problems, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Today, two out of every three Latinos in the U.S. is overweight or obese, higher rates than any other U.S. group. Type 2 diabetes rates among Latino Americans have more than doubled since 1988 with 13 percent of the Latino population now affected by diabetes.

The OHSU Moore Institute is working to connect research, policy and advocacy to promote better health for Latinos in Oregon and beyond by leveraging existing assets within the Latino community.