Easy to Gain,
Hard to Lose

Obesity is a condition in which a person has an excess of body fat than can negatively impact his or her health by increasing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater, most likely you are obese.

While genetics and hormones can impact someone’s weight, obesity generally develops if you take in more calories than you burn. The Mayo Clinic lists these causes and contributing factors for obesity:

  • Inactivity
  • Unhealthy diet and eating habits
  • Pregnancy
  • Lack of sleep
  • Certain medications
  • Medical problems

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that nearly 40% of African American men and 60% of African American women 20 years of age or older are obese. In addition, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Offices of Minority Health, African American women have the highest rates of obesity and being overweight compared to other groups.

In order to prevent and improve health problems linked to obesity, weight loss is important. This is achieved in part through changes to your diet and more physical activity. Medications or surgery could also be an option. It’s important to see a doctor if you think you are obese.

BMI For Adults Widget

Know Your Status

Find HIV services, testing sites and providers near you.

Click Here

Children's Health

Stay up to date on your child's immunizations.

Click Here

COVID-19

Helpful resources, best practices and guidance regarding coronavirus.

Click Here

Health Tips

Exercise. Research has shown that exercising daily brings tremendous benefits to our health, including increase of life span, lowering of risk of diseases, higher bone density and weight loss.  http://personalexcellence.com,
Living Well Tips

Receive wellness updates!

Enter your email address to receive occasional newsletters. We will never spam or sell your email. You can always unsubscribe in one click.