http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/covers/1101040607/article/how_we_grew_so_big_diet01a.html


Not a new question, but some very intersting answers. I am especially disturbed by the (not so new) news that African-Americans have a higher incidence of obesity (over 67 percent) than caucasians.

What cultural factors are behind this, and what can we do about it????

gempis, it's becuase we love fried food and aren't willing to go to the gym. It's either a pick up spot or a demo'ns dungon....

Are there any "old heads" in the house like me?

Then you knew back in the day we had phys ed. EVERYDAY. It was mandatory!

When I graduated from high school in 1975, there were only about THREE classmates who were overweight. One of the girls had a glandular problem.

We were a bunch of "stringbeans" back in the day. We were not glued to the TV or video games and had to be outside running or playing ball. We were FIT. Food didn't have all those chemicals.

I prided myself on the fact that you couldn't "pinch an inch" on me. Well, over the years, I've put on some weight. I do believe the foods we eat today contribute to the obesity problems. And we are glued to the TV and video games. The only walking some folks get is when they go to the refrigerator and back to the chair to sit in front of TV all day.

I make it a point to take a daily walk throughout my building, going over the pedestrian walkway which is extended across a major highway and to hit the gym twice a week. Since I had gallbladder surgery, my eating habits changed also.

Everything is pre-packed and frozen these days. But I have cut out the frozen entrees and stick to fresh fruit and vegetables. I get my meats from a butcher shop instead of the local supermarket. When I'm in the Amish area (Lancaster, PA), I get the best of meats and vegetables. And I can't eat large portions of food anymore...in the company cafeteria, this one guy KNOWS that my portions have to be very small.

Sodas are a no-no. I do drink one glass of gingerale and deal with 100% natural juices only, and PLENTY of water.

I know many black people complain about the foods white people eat (they love salads). There is this one white woman who looks like someone from a refugee camp with skin and bones and she needs to dive face first into a plate of "soul food". She is too skinny. And looks unhealthy.

We can still have our "soul food" but it has to be prepared without all the salt and grease. I use a lot of garlic and Italian seasoning in my foods. A five pound bag of sugar goes to waste in my home. We don't use that much sugar and I don't do Koolaid or ice tea mixes.

You are right on, vj57. When I was young, we also ran around and didn't sit in the house all day. And that's one of the interesting points of this article, is that way back when, people were forced to go hunt and gather their food, which burned energy. Now we only have to drive to the grocery store.

From a cultural standpoint, the higher incidence of overweight stature in African-Americans greatly concerns me because it is a population that is already marginalized in health care in the first place, or doesn't have access to any. This is compounded in women by cultural approval of women with big butts, etc. White women have pressure to be think and look skinny, but black women don't necessarily have that, and in fact may have the opposite pressure. This is an extra hurdle in the battle of the bulge, in my eyes. Extra weight is more than an aesthetic problem - it is a health hazard to the body and shortens the lifespan.

I am wondering if it will take much education of African-Americans to do something about this problem. And since we can't rely on the Bush regime to care, perhaps it's something we have to do ourselves. And if so, how?

Just throwing out some thoughts that concern me deeply.

From a cultural standpoint, the higher incidence of overweight stature in African-Americans greatly concerns me because it is a population that is already marginalized in health care in the first place, or doesn't have access to any. This is compounded in women by cultural approval of women with big butts, etc. White women have pressure to be think and look skinny, but black women don't necessarily have that, and in fact may have the opposite pressure. This is an extra hurdle in the battle of the bulge, in my eyes. Extra weight is more than an aesthetic problem - it is a health hazard to the body and shortens the lifespan.

For the record, you don't have to be "big" to have a big butt! :grin: However you are correct in stating that there are cultural preferences that do compound this issue. Both African American & Latino cultures prefer larger women (I don't like skinny women myself). Although one thing that we must keep in mind is that skinny is not necessarily healthy. The European ideal is often the supermodel look, and I can assure you those women are anything but healthy.

While VJ57 was on point in much of what she said, in many ways I feel today's society is more concerned about health than has ever been the case in the past. However we always look for the short cuts: Drugs, Atkins, South Beach, etc. Also there is a subculture within our society which promotes satisfaction about being happy with what you are (even if that is dangerously overweight). The BBW or SSBBW (Big Beautiful Woman/Super Size Big Beautiful Woman) is an example of this. What do you ladies think about this term?

Yes you all are correct. I must give up the PIZZA. vj57 I recall the day. President Kennedy started that program.

They don't care about our health, our obesity, our mental health, or anything that would benefit African Americans. There is this company here. In Redwood City ( good name huh? ) I'm going to find on this site where I posted their info. That made a drug that improved the AIDS's illness in Blacks and Asians only. No improvement in Caucasion, of Mexican Americans.

Their funding got cut, and they were told they made a mistake. Investors sold their stock and told them to toss the test results and the medicine. and start over. Guess which road they chose?

There are many clinics in my area for low income families. There are also black and hispanic outreach workers assisting people with their health care. But you can drive a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it. It's the same with people - you give them guidance and many won't listen.

Case in point - a relative of mine qualified for a medicaid card due to her low income. But refused to get one and suffered many ailments. And after all this time, she finally caved in and got one, but look at all the problems! No pelvic exam in over 20 years! When she could had gotten her teeth pulled, refused to do so, but now dental care for low income people is virtually nonexistent. Should had taken care of it when it was available.

I know that there's decent medical care in my area but people won't listen. You tell them where to go and they just won't do it.

As for me, I'm blessed to have a job with excellent medical, dental and vision insurance, but there was a time I didn't have it. I went five years without insurance and thankfully, I didn't have health issues. I did get the pelvic and mammos.

I work at a company which provides free mammograms, free flu shots and a nice fitness center for only $20 per month. So, I take advantage of these things.

There is also a free mammogram van for low income women. Also, there are a couple of clinics in my area and another one for the hispanic population.

I don't agree with being grossly overweight. It is not acceptable to me, neither is it healthy. I've seen people weighing over 400 pounds and feel that they should get out of the mindset that it's ok and that they are happy this way. I do not care for grossly overweight men, so fellows, if I can't get my arms around you, forget it! I don't mind a little meat, but if you're looking like Marlon Brando, don't even try to get next to me. You are NOT healthy!

I had a friend who was grossly overweight and he said that a woman HAD to accept him. The man had surgery on his knees and he was over 450 lbs! I told him that he would not find a woman who would accept him and his health problems. He breathed heavily and got tired even walking a short distance.
Well, he's not here today because he died. Was only 44 years old, and he wanted so much to have a woman. He wanted me to be more than a friend, but I just couldn't be that. I miss his friendship and felt that he would had made someone a good husband, but I just couldn't get with him because of the weight!

Wow, vj57. It seems that what you're saying is that the generally lower collective self-esteem of African-Americans - due to internalized racism - results in many devaluing their health and not taking action about it. Am I correct in reading you this way? This takes the conversation in a whole new direction, if so. Upon reflection, there may be something to this. White people also express general lack of caring to do something about their weight/state of health, but this isn't necessarily due to self-hatred.

Perhaps health and weight control issues for African-Americans should also address self-esteem? I will have to think more upon this, but would be most interested to hear what others think. I would eventually like to do something about this issue, in whatever way is proper.

I'm not overweight.
I'm so lean, because of my height they used to call me Tower of Pisa.....


But most Americans are overweight because of the food we eat and because so many of us a lazy and don't care about our behavior and appearance.

Our diet is mostly of fast food which contains "preservatives."

Well hell, if it's preserving the meat you eat...what do you think it's gonna do to YOU if you eat it?
That's why you can't lose weight, because those preservatives you ingest are keeping your body from breaking down the fat and other toxins.


Also, unlike Europe and other places where most people walk, take the bus, or the train....most Americans ride around in cars and abhor public transportation.
We are so isolatory in our nature we can't stand to sit next to eachother for more than an hour.

We work out and lift more weights than anyone on Earth but that's not gonna help you burn fat....only carbs.
You actually burn more fat walking than running in many cases because it's low intensity and steady.



Plus, the modern Western diet is too full of starches like white potatoes, pizza, cake, pretzels and all that other bread.

You just gotta have white rice with everything you eat like Chinese food and other ethinic dishes.

Black folks sit up and eat all that potato salad and Macaroni & cheese and end up falling over with it running out thier mouths.

That mess was made for Italians working on the sea...not us.

We eat more "dough" and filling food than actual meat and vegetables.


They say we weren't designed to eat meat???

Wrong...we aren't designed to eat all this cake and pies and dough we shove down our throats and THAT'S what keeping us fat and unhealthy.

Steak won't give you diabetes but cake will.

Hotep

Africans in America are eating more and suffering more ill health than others who eat the same food because "We" are not made to eat the same foods as Europians. Outside of the introduced diseases such as HIV-AID's that were introduced in to Afrika under the guise of Small Pox vacsine and later found out to have been HIV-AID's (Chimical Warfair), Afrikans in America suffer more diseases than Afrikans.
Even though there were major problems in the Sahail and Starvation because of the once plush Rain Forest cut down by Europians for Ebony ect., during the last two centuries, the Real problem started when Food sent to the Starving Samalian People of Afrika by the U.S., then People started to Die in Record numbers after receiving food from America.
A Major reason outside of the incompadability of Europian Food for Afrikans in America and else ware is, "Melanin". There are numerous publications by Black Scientist explaining this subject at local Black Book Stores. It is suggested that "We" should know what we are made of. Melanin is not just some arbatrary skin color that we have been lead to think. White folks know something bout you that they don't want you to know about yourself. Find out what that is.

Ase`

I heard that that somewhere in the Bible, it indicated that eating too much food, just like drinking wine excessively, is a sin. I have no clue what scripture it comes from, but this is best that I can do.

http://bible.com/answers/aalcohol.html

CD

I think more than anything, it's the fact that a lot of African American people don't care about what we put in our body. To me, that's more a factor than lack of exercise. Honestly, I don't exercise that often, but I try and eat healthy, and I'm thin. I know people that eat garbage and go to the gym 3-4 times a week and still gain weight. We need to leave the chips, fried foods, fast foods, soda and ice cream and cookies alone. Or at least limit your intake if you know you're not the type to run to the gym on a regular basis.

I think white folks (especially women) exercise more and eat healthier because to them, being voluptuous is the same as being fat. If they are anything but "bone thin" they're shoving their finger down their throat. Black women have always been curvier, so black women can get away with having more meat on their bones compared to white girls. Unfortunately, some black women don't notice that their stomach is just as round as their @ss. That's when it's a problem. It's not just women though, because men are eating garbage and sitting around watching sports and drinking beer, so they start rounding out also. I think it's simple, if you're not the active, exercising type, you better be the healthy eating type. And vice-versa.

d@mn, this thread is making me hungry!
i'm gonna run down to the food court, i'll see ya later. :slobber:

If I can remember, I don't think the Bible is too fond about Gluttony!

CD

gempis, it's becuase we love fried food and aren't willing to go to the gym. It's either a pick up spot or a demo'ns dungon....

I concur, we all definitely need to move much more. I have always been active, but here lately I allowed myself to become idle, so I just made a decision to start walking and I kid you not, it's only been two weeks of daily, I repeat daily exercise.. which consist of walking 3 miles, and some toning, and I can already tell the difference in my clothes. Today I "kicked" it up a notch to 5 miles, and I feel great. Bottom line... just get movin, it's a win-win!

If I can remember, I don't think the Bible is too fond about Gluttony!

CD


That's funny.....they definitely had more than enough to go around.

That's funny.....they definitely had more than enough to go around.


......................America period has more than enough to go around!

CD

Not enough exercise and eating large portions. But there is a Chinese saying, excess of any kind stems from an inbalance in the liver. In chinese medicine the liver regulates the energy that adds or removes weight, based on the level of stress.

Problem is we eat large ammount of meat and diary from animals that have been give steriods and growth hormones. Couple that with less exersize and voila! Supersized humans.



Peace....

Problem is we eat large ammount of meat and diary from animals that have been give steriods and growth hormones. Couple that with less exersize and voila! Supersized humans.

I've thought also that it has to do with the hormones given to animals that's making kids grow so big.

People need to get out from in front of the TV and start walking and exersizing.

I've thought also that it has to do with the hormones given to animals that's making kids grow so big.

People need to get out from in front of the TV and start walking and exersizing.


It's not just about being big, americans are TOO fat, and we don't exercise enough, by far.

It's not just about being big, americans are TOO fat, and we don't exercise enough, by far.

True, true. By big I meant kids today are not only over weight, but so many are taller than kids used to be. I was at my daughters school and many of the 5th grades are taller than me.

I think the hormones in the foods are causing this.

True, true. By big I meant kids today are not only over weight, but so many are taller than kids used to be. I was at my daughters school and many of the 5th grades are taller than me.

I think the hormones in the foods are causing this.


You're right, the (growth) hormones are causing this. Not only are they growing bigger than we were back in the day, they're also developing faster than we did, including type 1 and 2 diabetes and other diseases.

You're right, the (growth) hormones are causing this. Not only are they growing bigger than we were back in the day, they're also developing faster than we did, including type 1 and 2 diabetes and other diseases.



This is why as much as I love meat I had to stop eating it. I am one of those supersized human slowly trying to work his way down...

We even have fat pets in America.

Dogs and cats having to be treated for diabetes, high-blood pressure, and other obesity related disorders.

Its pure laziness
Its the fact that fast food joints
Are all over black communities
Its the fact that society in a whole
Isnt aware of what marketing is being directed at them
I dont believe in eating disorders
Overeating is something that can be controlled
That is just my personal opinion
We can beat this enemy of food addiction
By working together/Not praying for a solution
Not laying around drinking slim fast all day
But working out eating healthy

speaking as a chubby child and an heavy adult you can't say america is just lazy! When we were children why didn't our mothers teach us how to eat? or workout? They were too busy trying to make sure we had food on the table by working so hard.
and Because they really didn't know either.Genes play a huge role along with knowledge of nutrition. If as a child you see's your mama making cheese grits and lamb chops for breakfast nine times out of ten if you are never taught better that's what you are going to do.
I excercise but i also like to eat! I have parents who are both overweight.My sisters and brother eat twice the food I eat and they don't do much excercise and they are not heavy!
Sometimes people eat out of depression or comfort.
Maybe as a child parents fed their children instead of helping them work their problems out.
Also in the poor neighborhoods people can't afford nutritional food.It cost more to eat healthy. In the urban neighborhoods even the cuts of meat are different, more fat, less meat, pay attention!
We don't know that running around the park is sufficient or situps in bed is cool, maybe a few leg lfits while holding the back of a chair.Hold a leg up while washing dishes.
Although some of america is heavy it does not mean we want to be! Some might be trying and some are happy with just they way they are:kiss2:
I have a friend with three kids and she eats a ton and a size 3, now that's an unhealthy weight to me for a grown woman, but it's my opinion:D

Man yall just lazy
I dont care how its put
Nobody forces people to eat fastfood
Well my mother taught me to eat right
And she was able to take care of me
Thats an excuse for the weight
Maybe you should ask your mother why she did what she did
You sitting here telling me
In low income areas which I grew up in
All you could eat was unhealthy food
Eat cost more to eat healthy foods
Thats bullshiit thats an excuse for you
Not being able to control your eating habits
I see why america is the way it is for real
Unreal the excuses

Ok brother Tantrum no need to get irate!:bazooka:
I'm glad your mother taught you the correct way to eat!
But everyone does not know that.
We need more programs and gyms that people can afford.
I use to see this nutritionist who was 300 pounds at least! At the time I was 175 and i didn't take anything she said seriously but the info she gave was correct.
Before I never thought breakfast was important, so I skipped it and ate too much at lunch. Or that we should be drinking half of our body weight in ounces of water. Don't call people lazy because you are adding to the problem.
I can speak for myself and others I see.
It's not an excuse it's reality!
also me myself stay on steroids off and on and for me to gain and be able to get it down after the meds shows my determination and strength!
People work and they are single parents, some with 2 jobs and no help and the gym is the least of their worries.
If you see an overweight sistah or brother compliment them and then suggest that you guys should meet with each at whatever time and just walk or get a membership together.
That has always been one of my dreams.
To start a franchise of fitness awareness facilities in urban areas for kids and adults.

Your right
I was wrong for calling people lazy
But too be honest for most people its the truth
Everyone is beautiful in there own special way
Much Love My Beautiful Sister

Yeah brother I hear you:kiss1:
I try to get my mama to walk with me but she wont.
Actually she says to me I look good!(laughing)
Some of my friends who can actually work out rather sit and watch tv.
They say girl I need to lose weight! I even got my friend some free passes and her excuse was she didn't have any workout clothes but to be honest i think she was ahshamed to workout in front of men. Me I don't give a dam!
If excercise was seen as being fun instead of being a chore, i think everyone would do it!
I think knowledge and determination plays a key role in anything we want or need to acheive!:kiss1:

If its not laziness I stand corrected

This is why I make it my bizness to stay active and eat healthy. I have a 4yr old daughter whom i instill this in as well. I buy foods from the food co-op (healthier versions) of the crap thats being sold in the supermarkets nowadays. Yes it is pricier but it is cheaper than a heartattack or worse. I have some stubborn folk in my family who chastize me all the time saying "girl you don't eat meat, you gon be unhealthy, you need protein from meat, and yadda yadda" I pay them no mind and when i make a dish(vegetarian ) they cant sto plickin they fingers, talkin bout they takin a plate home lol

But seriously with patience, guidance and a good support system we all can be on our path to Great health and longevity.

Peace and Blessings
Queen Abena

That's good queen!
I cook vegetables with every meal!
My daughter loves them!
I am a meat eater I must say! I try not to eat red meat alot because it's so heavy!
I eat mostly chicken because I can't eat any type of fish.
My daughter is thin with a muscular build and I keep her active.
Her school does not have gym class so I need to keep her moving!

simple.. we gotta try errything once.. if its good repeat. point blank we like 2 eat!

Americans are overweight simply because they eat too much, and what they eat is usually garbage.

Do you see many people in other countries with an obesity problem like the US? of course not, they have healthier diets and probably excersize more.

Stop eating the Eurotrash like Mcdonalds, and drink more water, eat more fresh vegitables and fruit, and you'll notice a huge difference in your healt :)