legacy of American slavery and racial discrimination, many black Americans live with financial difficulty that can limit access to nutritious food and safe places for activity –– two key contributors to health.
But systemic barriers to ideal diet and exercise conditions are not the only factors that affect health concerns among black women –– and don’t account for the increased rates of obesity among black women across socioeconomic lines.
Another major factor may be the stress of experiencing racism. An investigation by the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University found a correlation between increased frequency of racist interactions and higher obesity rates among black women.
Researchers theorize the stress of experiencing racism could be one factor in the disproportionately high rates of obesity among black women, as constant exposure to high stress has been shown to disrupt neuroendocrine systems in humans in a way that can cause increased body fat collection.
The complicated array of conditions that have contributed to a deterioration in American health comes at a cost. According to an infographic created by MPH@GW, the online MPH program from the George Washington University, obesity is associated with more than 100,000 premature deaths and $150 billion in health care costs per year.
Yet, the problem remains difficult to rectify due to complex power and socioeconomic structures that dictate access to survival needs like food, safe living spaces, and trauma-free day-to-day living. Ultimately, change must stem from