Understanding Obesity Risk Factors

Understanding Obesity Risk Factors in African American Women

May 7, 2025

For those on their weight loss journey after bariatric surgery or while taking weight loss medications, understanding obesity risk factors affecting different populations can provide valuable context. African American women face distinct challenges related to weight management that stem from both environmental and biological factors.

The Statistics Are Striking

The statistics are striking: nearly 80% of African American women are affected by overweight or obesity, with 56% classified as obese. What makes this particularly noteworthy is how fat tends to be distributed in their bodies. African American women often store more fat in subcutaneous regions like the legs and buttocks rather than visceral fat in the abdominal area. While this pattern might seem beneficial since visceral fat is more strongly linked to cardio-metabolic diseases, significant weight gain can still lead to health complications regardless of distribution.

Several environmental factors contribute to higher obesity rates among African American women. Many communities face limited access to fresh, healthy foods due to food deserts in their neighborhoods. The chronic stress associated with racism and socioeconomic challenges can trigger hormonal responses that promote weight gain. Additionally, disparities in healthcare access mean fewer opportunities for preventive services and weight management programs.

Biological Factors Are Significant

The biological factors are equally significant. African American women tend to have pancreatic beta cells that respond more intensely to blood sugar, resulting in higher insulin secretion when consuming certain foods. Their bodies also clear insulin more slowly, leading to prolonged elevated insulin levels. This combination means organs and muscles retain higher insulin levels longer, increasing the conversion of sugar into fat, particularly in subcutaneous areas.

Diets high in ultra-processed foods with a high Glycemic Index can exacerbate these effects by causing significant insulin spikes. Furthermore, African American women generally have more efficient energy systems, requiring fewer calories burned to achieve the same energy output, which results in more sugar being stored as fat.

Understanding Obesity Risk Factors

For those who have undergone bariatric surgery or are taking weight loss medications, understanding these unique risk factors can help tailor post-surgical or medication-assisted approaches. A focus on lower Glycemic Index foods and regular physical activity remains essential for long-term success.

Fresh, home-cooked meals are preferable to ultra-processed options, and consistent movement throughout the day supports metabolic health even without intense exercise regimens.

By recognizing these specific challenges, you can work more effectively with your healthcare providers to develop personalized strategies that account for these biological and environmental factors in your ongoing weight management journey.

Stay Healthy, Stay Strong,

Dr. Leon Katz

This material is for educational purposes and should be discussed with a medical professional.

Sources

  1. Office of Minority Health. Link
  2. Genetics of Body Fat Distribution: Comparative Analyses in Populations with European, Asian, and African Ancestries. Chang Sun et al. Genes, 2021. Link
  3. Obesity in African-Americans: The role of physiology. B. A. Gower & L. A. Fowler. Journal of Internal Medicine, 2020. Link

Dr. Leon Katz MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a bariatrician specializing in non-surgical, medically supervised weight loss. Dr. Katz currently practices at Dr. Leon Katz Medical Weight Loss Center.

Understanding Obesity Risk Factors
Leon Katz

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Leon Katz MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a bariatrician specializing in non-surgical, medically supervised weight loss. He focuses on patients seeking alternatives to surgery and those needing care after bariatric procedures. Dr. Katz was recently the director of a major medical weight loss program. With extensive experience in establishing successful weight management programs, he now concentrates exclusively on non-surgical weight loss solutions. Dr. Katz is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and Fellow of American College of Surgeons. Dr. Katz currently practices at Dr. Leon Katz Medical Weight Loss Center.
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