In 2005, The Fantastic Four was released at the box office and I felt like a kid again even though I was thirty something years old. The Fantastic Four just happened to be one of my favorite superhero groups back in the day. I especially liked “Thing” and “Mr. Fantastic”. Thing had the muscle to get things done and Mr. Fantastic was the “brain.” The qualities and powers they had always appealed to me. I never really paid much attention to the other two superheroes but something brought Sue Storm back to my mind.

I happened to be going to work and listening to the “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” when a comedian made a joke about obesity in african americans and more specifically black woman not going to the gym because they don’t want to get their hair messed up. It was hilarious, but it made me think on a deeper level.

 

Obesity in African Americans  – Sue Storm and Black Women

 

If you recall, Sue Storm had the power to become invisible. So how does that relate to black women? I am not sure whether you’ve noticed, but black women are increasingly absent in gyms or the fitness profession as a whole.

 

I would go so far as to say they have made themselves invisible. Well, may be not invisible but for the numbers that make up the population they can be represented by the digits of my hands and feet so that isn’t a great number.

 

Why is this happening? I am not sure what is contributing to this but I have some ideas.

Obesity in African Americans – Economics 101

 

In college, I took an economics course not because I wanted to, but because it was required for my business degree. I learned a few things but the majority of the stuff was boring and I always thought to myself, “When am I ever gonna use this stuff?”

 

Well, my economics professor would be happy to know I learned a little something and I am going to use it right now. Here’s my question.

 

Do black women have less discretionary income than other ethnic groups? On a large scale, I realize there are much more single black women with kids so these women might not be able to afford the gym, right? 

 

They may not even have the time. The majority of “sistas” just don’t live on Wisteria Lane like Eva Longoria’s character on Desperate Housewives with a rich spouse. Is that the cause? Hmm… maybe, maybe its something else?

 

 

Obesity in African Americans – I Look Good

Do black women care more about looking good vs. feeling good? Every now and then I venture in to get a pedicure.

 

Yes, ladies, I am a man who gets a pedicure!

 

I am secure with my masculinity. (smile) I notice tons of “sistas” getting pedicures, manicures and even eyebrows waxed. I also hit the barber shop and see ya’ll getting your hair done, but what I don’t see is you in the gym or attending local bootcamps to trim and tone your figure.

 

So, the question is, do black women only care about looking good and not feeling good by keeping their weight down and being healthy?

 

I might be a bit critical but these are questions I hope to get answered or is it like the comedian said,” Ya’ll just don’t want to get your hair messed up?”

 

 

Know The Ledge

 

Do you remember the old Rakim song when at the end he says,”know the ledge?” He is really saying knowledge.

 

I am wondering if the invisibility of African American women in health clubs has to do with this. Do they know what to eat, how to use the weight machines, and what they should do to trim and tone their figures?

 

There is so much which goes into health and fitness it can be overwhelming not to mention deceiving. All the diet companies prey on women and the misconceptions out there to sell their products.

 

I am wondering if ya’’ll fell prey to all the scams out there. Its “gotta” be something! Help me out.

 

 

 

The Forgiving Brotha

 

Are brothas more forgiving when it comes to weight? I really don’t like my women the way Hollywood portrays them.

 

You know the ones I am talking about, right? The ones where they look like they are one missed meal away from death’s door.

 

I will take a woman with meat on her bones any day over Hollywood’s vision of beauty. I suspect there are more men out there like me but when does that cross the line?

 

I have some friends who say a woman is “thick.” When is it thick and when is it fat?

 

It seems like there is a fine line between the two. Are there some men out there who lead these women into believing they are thick when, they might be overweight?

 

I realize we all have our own personal tastes but when it is an issue of health over sexual image? In addition, if the same brothas who strengthen the thick image would get into the gym and support these women by working out with them, they would accomplish their fitness goals.

 

Be visible

 

How do black women become visible? You tell me.

 

When does health take priority over nails, hair, and clothes? Sacrifices have to be made such as saving the money for a gym membership or bootcamp.

 

You can take your kids to the gym with you as some gyms are now offering kids care for its members.

 

You have to want to change before it will happen.

 

My Concern

I am very concerned about obesity in African Americans  and african american women as a whole.

 

We are succumbing to diabetes, hypertension, and other diseases as a result of poor nutrition and misinformation. Your comments are welcomed on this one.

 

 

Darren McDuffie
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Certified Nutrition and Weight Management Specialist
Certified Exercise Foundations Specialist
Certified Fitness Testing Specialist