Black women are putting their health at risk as obesity rates continue to climb within this population. Here are some of the myths that exist within the black community that are contributing to the alarming majority of black women being fat.
What I have to say may not be well-received by some, but it needs to be said, and sometimes the truth hurts. There are many factors that may contribute to black female obesity, such as lack of education, genetic predisposition, psychological issues, or poor access to healthy foods. I recognize that these are larger and more complex issue to tackle, but there are simple lifestyle modifications that would yield immediate results. If some of the myths that pervade the black community were busted, we could start making some progress.
As a former personal trainer and lifelong gym rat, I’ve made some disturbing observations over the years when it comes to my people. This article isn’t for everyone. There are many black women out there working hard to stay fit and healthy. This is for those who are consistently getting bigger and not seeing any results, simply because they’re not trying hard enough. You know who you are. The following truths are not for the faint of heart. Don’t shoot the messenger, but ladies, you’re kidding yourselves if you believe any of the following myths:
1. Walking slow will provide weight-loss benefits – A pet peeve of mine is watching overweight sistas walking at about 2.0 mph on the treadmill. You may as well be sitting on the couch watching television. If you’re not willing to put forth any real effort, then why even bother showing up? It’s called working out because it requires work. Don’t kid yourself or others by saying “Ooh, I don’t know why I’m not losing weight. I work out!” Sorry. Your 15-minute walk at a snail’s pace doesn’t count.
2. Home-cooked food = healthy food – Do you know how often I hear “But I do eat healthy! I don’t buy fast food. I cook everything at home.” I hate to bust your bubble, but just because you made it at home doesn’t mean it’s healthy. A dinner of fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, and biscuits made at home is just as fattening as it would be if you picked it up from Popeye’s. Do some research and teach yourself how to eat properly. Most people seem to be extremely ignorant about what comprises healthy eating. If you knew what you were doing, you wouldn’t be fat. Don’t trust what you think you know. Put some time in and educate yourself. If what you’re doing isn’t working, change it.
3. You are making enough effort because you go to the gym – Nonsense. I can’t count the times I go in the locker room, or the pool, or to the weight room, and see the biggest women talking. And not moving. And talking and sitting, and talking and sitting. Why would you sit in the locker room and run your mouth for an hour when you could be burning calories at the same time? Try walking and talking, or yakking while cycling. It’s a dangerous mind game that you play when you make the effort to go to the gym, spend significant time there, but really accomplish nothing. Don’t lie to yourself. The mirror and the scale will tell the truth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, four out of five black women are overweight or obese, while two-thirds of people in the U.S. (overall) fall into this category. With children to raise, goals to accomplish, and lives to live, health has to be a priority. We can’t take care of anyone else unless we first take care of ourselves. The statistics are staggering. Black female obesity is a problem. Get real with yourself and realize that you are the only thing standing in the way of being at a healthy body weight.
Wishing you health,
HLJ
Holly Lowe Jones is a media professional, fitness expert, and personal trainer. A member of the National Association for Health and Fitness, Jones is also a seasoned triathlete who competes in her spare time.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hollylowejones
Instagram: HollyLoweJones
Twitter: @HollyLoweJones
