Obesity in Black Minority Women

Lexi Jerome, James Johnson, Kelsey Fulweiler

Our ThesisThe social statuses of African American women

greatly affect their rates of obesity.

What is Obesity?Excess body fat when calorie intake is too high or

calorie expenditure is too low (Johson & Wesley, 2012, p. 46)

Based off of BMI (body mass index) Chart

BMI Chart

The FactsAccording to the Encyclopedia of Obesity,

“African Americans suffer disproportionately from many diseases and have among the highest death rates and lowest life expectancies of any U.S. ethnic group” (Boslaugh, 2008, p. 16).

“There has been a trend over the past decade in increasing consumption of fat, sodium, cholesterol, sweet beverages and grains, and a decline in lean meat, milk, raw fruits and eggs by children and adolescents” of minority groups which results in more fat and calorie consumption (Boslaugh, 2008, p. 17). This usually leads to obesity later on in life.

What We ResearchedThe social factors that cause obesity in black womenThe cause of the social factorsHow we can eliminate these social factors

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What are the social factors?Low Economic Status Lack of EducationCultural Beliefs

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(Friday, L.)

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http://images.clipartpanda.com/education-clip-art-education-clip-art-pictures.jpg

How are these social factors produced?Low Economic Status:

Discrimination/Racism and unequal treatment are causes

The Giddy Multitude created a divided between the races.

As a result, African American women are less economically advantaged than whites.

Not being financially stable can lead to living in impoverished neighborhoods, as well as stress.

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http://www.search-best-cartoon.com/cartoon-bear/cartoon-bear-with-empty-pockets.jpg

http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/wealth-poverty-327288.jpg

How are these social factors produced? (Cont.)

Lack of Education:Fewer percent of African American women with high school

education and college education compared to white women.

Occurs because of discrimination and less advantages in the work force.

College is very expensive.

Results in little info about overall health, food, and exercise.

Without an education, high paying jobs are much harder to find in general, but add on the race factor.

How are these social factors produced? (Cont.)Cultural Beliefs

The ideal body image for black women is very different compared to other ethnicities. Depending on one’s culture, being overweight can be the ideal body size, and being too skinny can be seen as ugly.

For example, if you open up a magazine, there are great differences in body types between white, Asian, and African American women.

Amount of sweets consumed is higher in black women.

Higher obesity prevalence rate among black women.http://comps.canstockphoto.com/can-stock-photo_csp28788238.jpg

How do we eliminate these social factors?-Equal opportunities for everyone

“Discrimination also continues to exist in hiring and promotion practices, so that many women and minorities have difficulty in obtaining jobs and promotions”

(Lansford, T). a. Equality

“...whites will not do anything for blacks unless whites themselves benefit…the

sense of injustice is touched by racial profiling. It is fundamentally unfair for the

police to stop and question African-American people solely because of their

race...” (Sedler, R). b. Egalitarianism

“People should be treated as equals, should treat one another as equals, should

relate as equals, or enjoy an equality of social status of some sort” (Arneson, R).

How do we eliminate these social factors? Cont.

-Eliminate racism & discriminationa. Race is an illusion

“...removing occupational barriers like discrimination naturally makes the

workforce more productive…” ( Kurtzleben, D). -Government funded programs

b. SNAP Assistance (Food Stamps)“SNAP took 2.4 million children out of severe poverty in 2005” (The Real Benefits of SNAP).

c. Raising awareness for budget cuts to federal social assistance programs.

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Nutritious or junk?

http://www.superhealthykids.com/5-ways-to-protect-your-kids-from-junk-food/ http://www.wellnesspharmacy.us/vitamins-and-minerals/

BM

I

High

School

College

Dropout

Food S

tamps

Am

ericans in P

overty

Children in P

overty

Families in

Poverty

Data from Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2015

Why Does This Matter?Pervasive issues of gender and racial inequality

DiscriminationLess work opportunitiesThree strikes

Obesity a social norm?Changing demographics in United StatesIndividual effects

Diabetes, stroke, heart diseaseImpacts entire country

Direct and indirect medical costsIncrease in disability paymentsAbsenteeism at work and schoolIneffectiveness while at work and school

Cyclical effect

How Can You Help?

Rep. Richard Nolan [D]2366 Rayburn House Office Bldg.Washington, DC 20515D.C. Office: (202) 225-6211

Fax: (202) 225-0699

Sen. Al Franken [D]515 W 1st StSuite 104Duluth, MN 55802

Office: (218) 722-2390

Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D]302 Hart Senate Office Bldg.Washington, DC 20510D.C. Office: (202) 224-3244

Fax: (202) 228-2186