While Americans of all backgrounds are increasingly battling obesity, it’s a particular problem for the African-American community. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 37.6 percent of black men over the age of 20 are considered obese, and a startling 56.9 percent of black women over 20 suffer from obesity.
African-American women have the highest rates of obesity of any population in the United States. Black children also have higher rates of obesity than other races. For younger children, ages 2 to 5, the obesity rate is 11 percent. However, it’s between the ages of 9 and 14 – from the third to eighth grades — that the weight disparity between African-American and white children substantially increases.
As an obesity and weight management doctor, I could write a book about the reasons for the number of black people who are battling obesity, starting with dietary choices. In general, African-Americans drink more soda than other ethnic groups and tend to eat more fast food (which I call “fat” food).
Additionally, healthy foods cost more than pre-packaged foods; there’s a cultural affinity for less healthy choices such as fried foods; and exercise often takes a backseat to other recreational activities.
Chronic health issues African American people face
As a result, blacks are more likely to suffer from these serious chronic health problems, which often eventually cause premature death:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Sleep apnea
Losing weight and becoming healthy means changing eating and exercise habits. There is no way around it—not even using bariatric surgery as a weight loss solution.
Anyone who has had weight loss surgery will tell you — you still have to eat right and exercise after the operation.
Try this experiment for one full week (no cheating)
Stop drinking soda and eating junk food for a week. Not only will you lose a few pounds, you’ll also realize that you have more energy, mentally and physically.
Why? Your body is telling you, “Thank you for not filling me with the wrong kind of fuel. To reward you, I’ll make you look and feel better.” Who wouldn’t want to feel like this every day?
Bariatric surgery to treat severe obesity
A significant percentage of African Americans are also severely overweight, called ‘morbid obesity.’ For these people, a bariatric weight loss solution may be the right option once your BMI results confirm that you fall into this category.
Weight loss surgery — gastric sleeve or gastric bypass — reduces the size of the stomach so that you can only eat and drink small portions, diminishing your appetite for the long-term and resulting in dramatic weight loss — when supported by regular exercise.
If we mutually determine you are a suitable candidate for a surgical weight loss solution, you’ll have full access to Prime Surgicare’s exclusive Bariatric Success Program™ that offers one-on-one nutritional guidance, access to a post-op fitness program just for weight loss surgery patients, regular visits with a bariatrician, check-ups with me and a nearby lab for periodic bloodwork.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more, I’m available for consultation. Call 732-982-2002 for an appointment and to determine what level of bariatric coverage your medical insurance policy covers.
With education, smarter nutrition choices and committing to regular fitness activities, we can begin to decrease the obesity rates and create a healthier and stronger African-American community.
Learn more:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/black-health.htm
http://www.bu.edu/today/2012/exploring-the-causes-of-black-womens-obesity/
http://stateofobesity.org/disparities/blacks/
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.