African-Americans Fatter, Less Fit Than Caucasians

FITNESS

Race may play an important role in determining a person’s obesity and fitness levels, according to a study showing that African- American patients had a higher level of obesity and a lower exercise capacity compared to Caucasians, with the most pronounced difference found between black and white males.

"There is a popular belief among the lay public, and by many clinicians, that African-Americans are more fit than Caucasian patients. However, our findings suggest this is not the case," contends Carl J. Lavie, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans. "Despite being older, Caucasian patients in our study had significantly higher exercise capacities and lower obesity levels than African-Americans, suggesting that some races may be more susceptible to increases in weight and decreases in fitness levels."

Lavie and colleagues studied 4,428 Caucasian and 641 African- American patients, ages 52 to 74, who were referred for an exercise stress test for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). Exercise capacity was determined using a standard treadmill test, and obesity status was determined by body mass index (BMI). Results showed that within the entire cohort, African-Americans had a seven percent lower exercise capacity compared to Caucasians.

Moreover, although the black men were, on average, three years younger, they had a higher baseline BMI and prevalence of obesity and severe obesity. Compared to white women, African-American females were, on average, four years younger, had considerably more elevated BMIs, and a significantly higher prevalence of obesity and severe obesity. Black women also had a slightly lower exercise capacity than Caucasian females, although the difference was not significant.

Our society is known for high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar diets, lack of exercise, and sky-rocketing prevalence of obesity and diabetes, all of which have been associated with an increased risk in cardiovascular disease," notes Lavie. "With CAD being a significant health threat among African-Americans, a greater effort is needed to direct health and exercise programs toward this population."

Copyright Society for Advancement of Education Feb 2005