Multicultural psychology is developing as a necessary training for individuals working in human services, especially in psychology. Race, sex, color, or even religions are often an important part of training in multicultural psychology, but with new issues these basic factors need expansion. Obesity is a common factor many Americans struggle with as more than two-thirds of the population deals with, but training on is severely lacking for human services workers (Pascal & Kerpius, 2012). Mapping the human gene will also bring new information but also fear and unknown problems.
Obesity
Psychologists must work to maintain awareness on bias and perception to ensure appropriate assistance is provided to every client. The issues of race, color, or even age many view as elements an individual has no control over but obesity appears to be a choice. The views of many are that an individual who is obese or overweight is that way by choice or laziness resulting in a negative bias that can prevent therapeutic treatment (Pascal & Kerpius, 2012). Viewing an individual as obese also lends to beliefs of he or she is unintelligent, less productive, but caring (Pascal & Kerpius, 2012). The views of others can have long-term effects on an individual and create low self esteem as well as issues such as binge eating and depression. In a situation in which a therapist maintains these views it can exacerbate these issues taking a therapeutic relationship and creating a harmful one (Pascal & Kerpius, 2012). The professional may not be aware of bias but without understanding obesity and its multicultural effects harm can occur.
The first impression a professional has when meeting a potential client will affect the entire relationship, including the diagnosis, possible treatments, and outcomes (Pascal & Kerpius, 2012). These first impressions are not intentional for the therapist but without training, research and understanding these impressions will affect the life of the individual. Obese or overweight individuals are 20% more likely to have a diagnosis of bipolar or depression and the treatments vary significantly requiring the professional to have a clear understanding of the individual and his or her problems (Pascal & Kerpius, 2012).
Obesity has become quite common in the United States and can be seen at any time walking down a street therefore it has an affect on every individual either personally, through family and friends, or in the workplace with clients and coworkers. Obesity is an issue everyone will deal with and the way individuals dealing with obesity are treated will affect his or her entire life. As obesity rates increase so will the mental health issues these individuals deal with, and this will affect most workplaces, homes, and communities creating a need for understanding and assistance (Pascal & Kerpius, 2012).
Obesity is becoming so common it is an issue that all cultures, races, sexes, religions, and genders will experience. This common denominator is seen in all areas and therefore is a need for all professionals to understand as well as the way each culture views the issue of obesity.
Genetic Issues
The scientific community continues to improve and demonstrate new ways to identify ad resolve issues that plague every culture throughout the world. These improvements are amazing but also bring higher levels of responsibility for the researchers and on professionals involved in working with people. The Human Genome project was developed to map the human gene and identify specific origins of diseases both physical and mental to assist in identifying causes and with those possible solutions (Pascal & Kerpius, 2012).
As the human gene is mapped and the determination of the origins of certain illnesses occurs professionals must understand that there is more to the illness or gene than what is seen scientifically (Roland, 2006). The person involved brings with him or her history, including family, biological, social, and psychological factors that will affect the disease and the way the disease affects that individual. The history and beliefs of the individual will affect the desire to know about gene mapping, the way the news is interpreted, and the way the individual processes and uses the information (Roland, 2006). The information the mapping of the human gene brings will assist physiological issues but each professional must understand the issues specific to the person and how information will be affected by the culture.
Every culture will be affected by the human genome project as it brings information about every human but each culture can have an individual effect. Many biological diseases are more common in one culture than another and these connections will create tension and fear as the disease is traced (Roland, 2006). Professionals will need to gather information on the biological issues but also the culture of each group to understand responses and adequately assist in dealing with the information (Roland, 2006).
Conclusion
The world changes every day and those changes are because of the individuals who together are the world. The issues that arise affect not just an individual or even a group, but the effects can be felt across oceans and desserts requiring an understanding of others and the issues they deal with. Obesity is so common every individual will deal with the effects of obesity in all cultures and areas creating a need for professionals to understand the issues and the possible biases present. Mapping the human gene brings amazing sources of information to assist with resolving major health issues but the way each culture or group responds to the information will differ. Professionals must take the time to research emerging issues, such as obesity and gene mapping to ensure the best care for the individuals he or she serves.

References
Pascal, B., & Kurpius, S. (2012). Perceptions of clients: Influences of client weight and job status. Professional Psychology: Research And Practice, 43(4), 349-355. doi:10.1037/a0028525
Rolland, J. S. (2006). Genetics, family systems, and multicultural influences. Families, Systems, & Health, 24(4), 425-441. doi:10.1037/1091-7527.24.4.425