Obesity continues to impact communities of color disproportionately, and Dr. Orvenie Bernardin, known affectionately to her patients as “Dr. B,” brings a fresh perspective to the conversation about this pressing health issue in the Black community. A board-certified family physician with a practice ranging from young adults to centenarians, Dr. Bernardin combines clinical expertise with cultural understanding to address one of today’s most pressing health challenges. In a candid interview with Justin VanNoy for Rolling Out Health IQ, she unpacks the complexities of obesity and its far-reaching implications for the Black community.
[Editor’s note: This is a truncated transcribe of a longer video interview. Please see the video for the extended version. Some errors may occur.]
Q: What’s the current state of obesity in the Black community, and what trends are you observing?
A: “Obesity is a chronic disease that’s becoming increasingly prevalent, not just in America but in other developed countries as well. We’re seeing the numbers rising exponentially over the past few years. One significant factor is portion sizes – they’ve increased dramatically. If you look at fast food portions from the 1960s compared to today, current portions are often two to three times larger. A single fast food meal today could feed three people. This, combined with issues of food access and healthcare disparities, is driving the increase we’re seeing.”
Q: Which age groups are most affected by obesity?
A: “It’s affecting everyone across the board, and we’re seeing particularly concerning trends in children. We have patients as young as seven or eight years old dealing with being overweight and experiencing complications from excess weight. No age group is exempt from this health challenge.”
Q: What are the most serious complications associated with obesity?
A: “The complications are extensive and particularly concerning within our community. We’re seeing increased risks of insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol issues. These factors combine to elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The impact on bone health is significant – we’re now seeing 30- and 40-year-olds with arthritis. In extreme cases, some individuals in their 30s and 40s become wheelchair-bound due to mobility issues. Beyond the physical impact, there are significant psychological effects that influence self-perception and social interaction.”
Q: How do you approach patients who feel judged or stigmatized about their weight?
A: “This is an incredibly common situation in my practice. Many patients are aware of their size and may feel hesitant about visiting doctors, fearing their concerns will be dismissed as simply weight-related issues. I approach it as a partnership. Interestingly, I’ve started implementing therapy as part of weight management because our eating habits often originate in childhood and can be tied to trauma or early life experiences. Understanding these connections is crucial for effective treatment.”
Q: What are some immediate changes people can make to address obesity?
A: “First, it’s important to note that the BMI system in the U.S. may not always be the most accurate measure for Black individuals due to differences in bone density and body shape. I often recommend focusing on abdominal girth as a better indicator. As for immediate changes, reducing sugar intake is crucial – particularly in beverages. I’ve seen significant weight loss in patients who simply cut out sodas. Other key steps include:
- Limiting fast food consumption
- Cooking more meals at home
- Choosing healthier options when dining out
- Incorporating regular physical activity, even if it’s just walking in place
- Finding creative ways to stay active, like keeping a jump rope near your desk for quick exercise breaks”
Q: How widespread is obesity in your practice?
A: “It’s extremely prevalent. Over 70 to 80 percent of my patients fall within the overweight to obese range. This isn’t just a health issue – it’s an epidemic affecting the majority of our community.”
Q: What’s the connection between obesity and other chronic conditions?
A: “The relationships are complex and interconnected. Obesity can lead to insulin resistance, which may progress to diabetes. The extra weight often contributes to high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. For women, excess weight can trigger or exacerbate PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), affecting menstrual cycles and fertility. The impact extends to blood clot risk and virtually every body system. There’s no part of the body that remains unaffected by obesity.”
Dr. Bernardin’s insights highlight the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to addressing obesity in the Black community. Her emphasis on partnership, understanding underlying causes, and making practical lifestyle changes offers a roadmap for those seeking to improve their health outcomes. As the community continues to grapple with this health challenge, perspectives like Dr. Bernardin’s provide both hope and practical solutions for positive change.
