Obesity in African American women - Guest Editorial - Brief Article

ABNF Journal, The, May-June, 2003 by Fannie M. July

Obesity has become a global health problem and according to the US Surgeon General and the American Obesity Association, the prevalence of Obesity in this country is increasing almost daily among adults, children and especially African Americans of all ages. Obesity as a health issue poses considerable problems because of its serious consequences. Researchers have associated obesity with several medical conditions and authors in this issue of the ABNF Journal have tackled discussions of these issues including obesity and cancer and obesity and diabetes.

Lifestyles of our present day society are in essence promoting obesity. Nearly all of our social activities are centered around food and eating. Fast foods, which are high in fat and caloric content, comprise our food choices for at least one meal a day beginning with the biscuit breakfast. The advent of the computer has promoted long periods of sitting for great numbers of us whether at work, school, or at home and regular exercise for many of us remains in the planning stage.

At the heart of this problem is the African American woman who has been described as the "fattest" of them all. As you, the ABNF Journal readers will discover in this issue, there is a cultural premise for some of the obesity observed in African American women, and that in an attempt to control their weight some African American women are experiencing eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. It is clear that a great deal of work is needed in this area. It is my hope that you will be inspired and, yes, encouraged to engage in research centered on the topic of obesity in order to promote health, prevent disease and increase life expectancy for African American women and others who suffer the health consequences of obesity.

Dr. Fannie July is a retired Professor, Department of Nursing, Fayetteville State University.