Young Black Women at Risk for Abdominal Fat, Type 2 Diabetes

by Ryan Halvorson

Making News:

Have you ever wondered if specific races were more prone to weight gain and the development of type 2 diabetes? A study published in the August issue of Diabetes Care (2009; 32 [8], 1553–55) showed greater risk for young black and Hispanic women.

The study followed 389 black men and women and 844 Hispanic men and women from 1999 to 2007. At study completion, the researchers noticed that adults aged 20–29 had the greatest 5-year increase in fat. The young black women averaged an 89-square-centimeter (cm2) increase in subcutaneous abdominal tissue; Hispanic women averaged a 53 cm2 increase. The men fared slightly better—their 5-year increase was 76 cm2 and 30 cm2 among young black men and Hispanic men, respectively. According to the report, this type of fat mass increase is of concern owing to its close relationship with type 2 diabetes development. The report also states fat accumulation decreased in older age groups.

“Our data may help to further identify populations at risk for type 2 diabetes and those for whom behavioral intervention might be most effective,” stated lead author Kristen G. Hariston, MD, MPH.

So how can fitness professionals help make a difference with this particular population? A recent review of physical activity interventions for African Americans suggests culturally relevant protocols to elevate interest in exercise. In a study published in the July/August issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion (2009; 23 [6], S33–S56), researchers analyzed 29 studies to determine which type of intervention was best for increasing physical activity in this group. While the authors did not select a “best practice” program, they did notice a higher satisfaction rate among culturally tailored programs. “If African-American participants reported greater satisfaction with culturally adapted programs, greater retention, and greater maintenance of behavior change, this would suggest that culturally adapted interventions effectively initiate and sustain behavior change among minority groups,” the study authors theorized.

Do you have a successful culturally tailored physical activity program? We want to hear about it. E-mail your story to rhalvorson@ideafit.com.