‘ESPN The Magazine’s’ Showcase of Naked Athletes Can Help Fight Obesity; Nude Photos

'ESPN The Magazine's' Showcase of Naked Athletes Can Help Fight Obesity; Nude Photos

ESPN The Magazine definitely made a statement by featuring 22 athletes in its annual Body Issue. Although it could be argued that ESPN skirted the edge of soft porn with its images, it’s hard to deny the appeal of the exquisite bodies of top-notch athletes.


The consistent work that it takes to achieve those bodies should also give a boost to the ongoing fight against obesity.


Black Americans, in particular, are struggling with obesity. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, black women have the highest rates of being overweight or obese compared to any other group with four out of five black women being overweight. Black children are  30 percent more likely to be overweight than whites. More than 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, and overweight individuals are more likely to have heart disease or a stroke. Another troubling factor is that blacks over 18 are 50 percent less likely to engage in physical activity as whites.

Social and economic factors are also a major cause for obesity in the black community. In poor  areas, there tend to be an abundance of fast-food restaurants and few choices for healthy dining. There are also a lack of fitness facilities in many urban areas.


Too many of us are preoccupied with video games, TV and surfing the Internet, instead of finding time to exercise a few hours per day.

ESPN The Magazine‘s Body Issue may have crossed a few lines with its provocative images, but it should also inspire Americans to follow the athletes’ example of adhering to a proper diet and regular regimen of exercise. –amir shaw

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