Overweight and Obesity Among African American Women: An Examination of Predictive and Risk Factors and Weight-Reduction Recommendations

There is substantial research evidence on the disproportionate number of African American women who are overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. African American women are at significant risk for weight-related chronic diseases including stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and other types of cancer. This article reviews the behavioral, biological, cultural, demographic, environmental, and psychological factors that might explain and maintain obesity among African American women. Also included is a review of the effectiveness of obesity prevention and treatment programs among African American women.