Comparing the Self-Rated Health Effects of Obesity on the Health of African Americans and Caribbean Blacks

The Black population is more likely to experience obesity and to be debilitated by associated illnesses. Much evidence exists linking obesity to many chronic diseases, but the relationship with self-reported health is not clear. The study aims were to examine the relationship between obesity and self-reported health across four race- and gender-specific groups of Black Americans and to assess whether health disparities are race or gender driven. Data were drawn from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) to estimate separate multivariate logistic regression models for 5,191 persons. Using logistic regression analysis, odds of reporting reduced health in obese individuals were compared with those for healthier weight individuals, adjusting for known controls. Among African American men, African American women, and Caribbean Black women, there was a statistically significant association between obesity and self-rated health (p < .001). The proportion of persons reporting excellent health decreased with increasing level of obesity in all groups, but more pronounced among both racial groups of women. The results of this study provide evidence that obesity has a negative impact on self-rated health among Black Americans, excluding Caribbean Black men, even in the absence of a chronic disease such as diabetes. Health professionals should focus on preventive healthy weight strategies and interventions that are culturally specific and relevant in order to address the obesity health disparity in African American and Caribbean Black women.