Obesity is a topic many people would prefer to avoid or deny. It is a growing issue, especially in the African American community that continues to be unaddressed. The average African American who is overweight believes they are just big boned or thick and not unhealthy. Black families have become content with believing “oh we just like to eat.” The black community has built a belief system on a foundation of unhealthy foods and inactivity. The African American community has become so blinded by wrong thinking; we fail to see the health risks associated with obesity.
The Department of Health and Human Services estimates 1,200 people die daily from unhealthy eating and inactivity. Diseases related to obesity kill 5 times more people than guns, HIV and drug use combined. African Americans have the highest rate of obesity-over 51 percent according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Obesity Data 2006-2008.
The failure to see and understand the health risks of obesity has caused overweight adults to pass on their unhealthy and life-threatening habits to their children. According to the CDC, studies show if overweight begins before 8 years of age, obesity as an adult is likely to be more severe. Obese children face the same health risks as adults, plus a sicker and shorter life span. This is the foundation that we have passed on to the next generation. The great news is as a community we can acknowledge the truth and begin a new path to create new statistics.
The first step towards fitness and health restoration is to admit there is a problem. According to a report by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 84% of parents believe their child are at a healthy weight. However, the 2007 National Survey of Children’s’ Health research indicates more than 12 million children and adolescents are considered obese. We first must be able to handle the truth and acknowledge we have a problem.
Second step: Change The Way We Think. Our actions are evidence of the way we think. Get knowledge that will restore the fitness and health of the mind and the body will follow. Know we really are what we eat, first mentally, then physically. Also, know about healthy levels of glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, body fat, etc. It is important to know the proper steps to achieve those health levels; because knowing how to eat healthy balanced meals increases the metabolism. Last, but not least, know how to incorporate a lifestyle of consistent activity that increases your overall fitness level.
Third step: Take action today: Begin to take immediate lifestyle changes. Make better choices with the resources that are available. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into regular meals throughout the day, decrease high sugar and high fat content foods in your meal. Finally, increase daily activity.
There are several key elements such as finances and available resources within a community which will also affect fitness and health. Nevertheless, an individual and corporate mental shift is still the first step towards transformation.
Here are a few resources:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention “Childhood Overweight and Obesity.” March 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html
Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future.” June 10. http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/
Office of Surgeon General “Overweight and Obesity: Health Consequences.” Jan. 2007 http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/fact_consequences.htm
