Obesity is a Chronic Disease, not laziness.
Understanding Obesity
Obesity is NOT a personal failure.
Obesity IS a chronic disease shaped by many factors. Learning more about the facts helps reduce stigma and supports more inclusive, effective healthcare for Black girls and women.
Let's think about weight, but WITHOUT the blame.
The History of Obesity in the Black Female Community
Image by Chiara Vercesi for the Scientific American
Test your knowledge with a brief Quiz here:
Explore common myths & facts around obesity.
Fact or Myth:
People who are overweight or obese are not healthy.
Myth!
Simply, being overweight or obese is NOT indicative of other health issues.
Fact or Myth:
If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is not in the overweight or obese range, you are considered healthy.
Myth!
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it doesn't provide a complete picture of overall health risks, such as the risk of developing heart disease or diabetes, which can occur at any weight.
Fact or Myth:
A person's genetics only have a small impact on their weight.
Myth!
Genetics can account for up to 70% of a person's body weight, shape, and size.
Fact or Myth:
Obesity is classified as a chronic disease.
Fact!
Obesity has been officially recognized as a chronic disease by many international health organizations.
Fact or Myth:
To see any positive health benefits, you must lose a significant amount of weight.
Myth!
Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% of a person's total body weight can lead to improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Fact or Myth:
Successful obesity treatment must result in significant weight loss.
Myth!
Positive outcomes for Black female adolescents often include better cardiometabolic markers (e.g., blood pressure, insulin sensitivity), improved mental health, increased physical stamina, and stronger self-esteem.
Fact or Myth:
Lifestyle interventions are not effective for Black female adolescents.
Myth!
Interventions that are person-centered, address structural barriers and culturally informed, have been associated with better adherence and positive health behaviors.
Fact or Myth:
Families rarely play much of a role in improving obesity-related outcomes for Black adolescent girls.
Myth!
Family support is a key protective factor. Adolescents whose families model healthy behaviors, avoid weight-based blame, and reinforce positive health changes are more likely to experience sustained improvements in both physical and psychological well-being.
Fact or Myth:
Managing stress and emotional well-being are really minor concerns in obesity treatment adolescents.
Myth!
Addressing stress, trauma, and emotional health is central to positive outcomes. Black female's who receive support for chronic stressors—such as racism, body stigma, and socioeconomic strain may experience improved coping skills, healthier relationships with food, and greater treatment success.
Remember: Healthy looks different on EVERYbody.
“Childhood obesity issue is critically important to me because it’s critically important to the health and success of our kids, and of this nation, ultimately.”
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- Michelle Obama