Let’s Get Serious About Obesity, Part 2

I hope you heard the health tip that addressed obesity as a major health issue among African American women.  Obesity is not associated with our cultural heritage.

Many African American women become very upset when physicians talk to them about their weight.  This has caused many physicians to avoid discussing the subject when these women are seen for various medical problems.  A physician is not doing a good job and an injustice if he or she does not discuss your weight. This is an extremely important factor in your overall health and it should be taken, with other vital signs, at each visit.

There is no such thing as being “big boned,” for the record.  Often, the word “thick” is used to describe some obese women and is only embraced by the African American community.  We must refrain from using that word.