Obesity in Our Community! (part 1)

African-Americans are suffering from obesity at alarming rates. African American women have the highest rates of being overweight or obese compared to other groups in the U.S. About four out of five African American women are overweight or obese. In 2009, African Americans were 1.5 times as likely to be obese as Non- Hispanic Whites. In 2009, African American women were 60% more likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic White women. In 2007-2008, African American children were 30% as likely to be overweight than Non-Hispanic Whites. HEALTH IMPACT OF OBESITY More than 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, and LDL cholesterol -- all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. In 2007, African Americans were 50% less likely to engage in active physical activity as Non-Hispanic Whites. Deaths from heart disease and stroke are almost twice the rate for African Americans as compared to Whites.