Black/White Fitness Disparities

February is Black History Month, an opportunity for Americans to learn about and appreciate the contributions of African Americans to our nation as well as to recognize the struggles they have faced over the centuries. In fits and starts, our country has made progress in racial equality but there is still a long way to go to achieve justice and equity.

One of the areas where there is still a disparity is in physical fitness. This seems counterintuitive at first since we see many African Americans excelling in sports, but on a more grass roots level there is still inequality. African Americans are significantly less likely to participate in exercise than other racial groups. As we know, the lower levels of physical activity can lead to heart disease, obesity, and other chronic illnesses.

Research shows that African Americans do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activities as frequently as white Americans. This leads to greater occurrences of obesity. Studies show that this is caused in part by socioeconomic factors like lower income, less availability of safe and affordable gym facilities, as well as cultural influences that may discourage physical activity in the community–in particular, among black women.

Researches conclude that there may not be sufficient awareness in the community about the benefits of regular physical activity. Add to this that there may not be gyms or other athletic facilities tha06are safe and easily accessible and the impetus to exercise is decreased; for some, the cost may also be prohibitive. Even for those who do have the gym memberships, there are some places where they experience racial discrimination. Athletic facilities may also not have programs and resources that are geared to the interests and tastes of those in minority communities.

There is much in the fitness industry that can be done to reverse this reality. We need to partner with community leaders as well as the medical establishment to find ways to raise awareness, make engagement in physical fitness more attractive and affordable, and diversify the face of fitness professionals. All of these are a good start to help ensure that everyone has the potential to keep strong and healthy throughout their lifetimes.

I salute the achievements and contributions of African Americans to our country. May we all work together to create more opportunities so that all Americans can meet their potential.

Is Dieting the Answer to Longevity?

I have blogged many times in the past about maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity leads to many negative health outcomes such as heart disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Additionally, there is is a greater risk for Type 2 Diabetes, certain cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, breathing problems, digestive issues, liver and kidney disease, and even menthal health issues. All this, along with a concern with physical appearance, has led to an unhealthy obsession for many with dieting in order to lose weight.

A recent study conducted at University of California – San Diego reported in Journal of Gerentology: Medical Sciences, indicates that women over the age of 60 have a greater chance of living past 90 if they work at maintaining weight rather than losing it. The study of 54,000 women (of whom 56% survived to age 90) showed that a loss of more than 5% or more of body weight (intentionally or unintentionally) was associated with lower odds of longevity compared to those who kept a stable weight.

This has implications for the way that we view fitness. Even though more studies will be needed–including ones which examine men as well–this new research suggests that we should focus less on exercise and eating right as a means to losing weight, and more as a means to building a healthy lifestyle. It is noteworthy that many gyms still offer Weight Loss Challenges which may encourage unhealthy habits in order to “win” the contest. Other gyms have switched over to Fitness or Healthy Habit Challenges that focus less on the outcome (ie., pounds lost or percentage weight loss) and more on visits to the gym, fitness classes taken, healthy meals eaten, etc. When the aim is to maintain and build a healthy way of life, the goals are often more attainable. What this study from UCSD adds to the mix is that (for older women, at least) the change in focus can actually lead to living longer.

As always, there is a kind of balance to be achieved here. On the one hand, carrying around too much weight has its own hazards. On the other hand, excessive focus on weight loss has its dangers as well.

This is the first study of its kind. More research will hopefully show us more precisely where to put our energy.

Exploring Weight Bias

Over the past few months, our nation has been have a much-needed reckoning with the place of racism, bias, inequality and prejudice in our society. Many have come to realize that the issue is much deeper than we had imagined–perhaps because we are shielded from it–and that it is built into our society. Although we may not see ourselves as prejudiced, we participate in a system that has perpetuated injustice for centuries.

With all the awareness around the challenges (a euphemism to be sure) faced by people of color and members of the GLBTQ+ community, there are still others who are targets of bigoted behavior. Some of it is subtle and other expressions are much more explicit.

The most recent issue of IDEA Fitness Journal featured an article on Weight Bias. The article by Cassandra Padgett and Dr. Natalie Digate Muth, entitled “Weight Bias in the Health and Fitness Industry” focuses on what this means for us in the business of helping people to become more healthy, but it also explores the ways in which society views people who are overweight or obese. The article draws upon research that shows that “People who have a higher body weight are vulnerable to stereotypes, bias, bullying, and discrimination in our society.” [The Rudd Center, 2020]

Many of us will recognize this if we think about it. It is not okay to judge based on skin color, religion, sexual identity and orientation, country of origin, etc., but when it comes to weight somehow we get really judgmental. This is a problem in society in general, but this bias has greater impact in the fitness industry. The article notes that the bias can be explicit; in other words, there is conscious discrimination against people with higher body weights. There can also be implicit bias; it is often automatic and outside of our awareness. It often results from the “collective ideology of the fitness industry, stereotypes, or lack of personal experience or understanding of the complex etiology of obesity.”

Padgett and Digate Muth address the ways in which the industry can begin to remediate these issues. They also challenge personal trainers and related professional trainers to rethink how we address weight and its overall effect on total health. Reasons for obesity are complex and are influenced by a number of factors beyond just calories eaten. A person’s weight is not a reflection of their character or what they can contribute.

It is good that our society is beginning to sensitize itself to the ways that the “ins” treat the “outs.” This starts with a realization that there are “ins” and “outs.” There is lots of work to do out there. We can do much better as a nation than we are. I know that I have participated in a system (our society but more particularly the fitness industry) that has stigmatized those with higher body weights. While I cannot change the past, I can alter the way I approach people with higher weights and obesity. Rather than being an obstacle to better health, I hope that I can create a welcoming and affirming space for everyone regardless of their body fat percentage.

This is just one more facet of our national movement toward a more just, kind and healthy society.