White women who do little or no exercise as they age are more apt to become obese later in life more so than African-American women, according to a new study.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University say they studied data from 22,948 African-American women and 7,830 white women in 12 Southeastern U.S. states. The odds of severe obesity were nearly 4.5 times higher in white women and 1.5 times higher in black women. The director of the study, Dr. Maciej Buchowski, says the reasons for the racial disparity is unclear but may have something to do with culture or difference in metabolism between the two groups.
According to the researchers, the women involved in the study were economically disadvantaged and in their 40s and 50s.
So perhaps the real question is do poor white women have a more difficult time being healthy than poor black women? And if so, why?
I have always believed that healthy is a choice, for the most part. Of course, disease can strike event the healthiest eater and exerciser. Economic situations cross the races. Poor people as well as middle income people have a hard time eating as healthy, due to the cost of pure, organic foods. We were considered poor growing up. Mother had to cook what was the cheapest. Soup beans, cornbread, potatoes, gravy, biscuits, and fried chicken were what we had. We didn’t have a lot of that. It is harder to break years long habits of eating, but it can be done. I do think it is even harder to stick with a healthier eating plan when you have tasted the good life. HA!
Pam,
I do question the credibility of this study without understanding the eating habits of black women versus white women. If they are eating the SAME types of foods, with little or no exercise then I would have to question genetics. The other thing that comes into question is what standards are they basing this conclusion on–meaning same time frame, same economic circumstances, same family make-up, etc. There’s a lot to take into consideration before drawing a blanket conclusion.
Thanks very much for stopping by and eaving a comment.
AW GEEZ Bev – now I feel DOOMED!