Obesity among African American women: prevalence, consequences, causes, and developing research.

This article reviews data concerning the prevalence, causes, and consequences of obesity among African American women. It shows that approximately 50% of adult African American women are considered obese by prevailing standards. Moreover, this prevalence appears to be increasing. Obesity has an important influence on the development of a variety of morbidities among African American women. The effect of obesity on longevity among African American women is less clear. The reasons for the very high prevalence of obesity among African American women are unknown. Data supporting various putative genetic, physiological, and psychosocial influences are discussed.