BME

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The fact that obesity increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and premature death is well-known. Studies show that Black and Asian people are at greater risk of being overweight or obese.

Generalised obesity levels in Black Caribbean men (18.3%) were around the same as the general population (18.9%). However, the figures rose sharply among Black Caribbean women (31.9%) compared with the general population (20.9%).

In the Black and Asian communities, being larger, especially amongst women, is considered more attractive; but being slightly voluptuous is different from being dangerously overweight or obese.

Both Black Caribbean and Pakistani women are 60% more likely to be classified as obese than women in the general population.

Centralised obesity poses a greater threat to health among ethnic minorities as Black Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi woman are all twice as likely to be centrally obese than the general population.

Differences in obesity levels between Black men and women are likely to stem from lower levels of activity among Black women.  

People from south East Asia have a greater tendency at lower BMIs to store visceral fat (in the upper part of the abdomen), which is more harmful. Therefore people from this region need to be especially careful about gaining excess weight around the abdomen.

General guidelines on tackling weight problems still apply to Black and Asian people. People who are ‘apple shapes’ need to realise the risks posed by carrying excess weight and should take regular exercise.

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