These drugs are also it is not a one-size-fits-all solution to better healthbecause healthy eating and regular exercise are also key to losing weight. But current weight loss interventions based on lifestyle changes largely fail to address the needs of women of color.

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As a community health researcherswe wondered why scientists have failed to create a lifestyle-based weight loss solution that works for black women.

So we reviewed 10 years of research on weight loss interventions based on lifestyle changes. We found that only a few studies focused on black women, and those that did often had results only small amounts of weight loss and were inconsistent in how they approached weight loss. Why is that?

The sign of black women is missing

Obesity increases the risk to develop weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Almost 60% of black women in the US are obese, putting them at greater risk of developing these conditions.

Lifestyle interventions that focus on a healthy diet and increasing physical activity have been shown to help most people lose weight, usually resulting in a 5% to 10% weight reduction. which also reduces the risk of chronic diseases. However, these lifestyle interventions usually result in only a 2% to 3% weight loss in black women.

Our review suggests that lifestyle-based weight loss has been hindered among black women because they often not included in this research. Because their lived experiences are not considered in these studies, these interventions may not meet their specific needs. Of the 138 studies we reviewed, black women made up at least half of the participants in only eight studies.

Research on why lifestyle interventions are often less effective for women of color is lacking. However, some studies highlight the effects of race and gender on their daily lives as potential factors.

The role of superwoman

Black women exposed to the persistent stress of navigating everyday racism and sexism face the added burden of what researchers call superwoman role. Not only do women of color have to confront their own experiences of race- and gender-based inequities, but expected to be invulnerable, hyper-independent and suppress their emotions to appear strong to their family and community. Many minimize their vulnerabilities and overstress their capabilities to fulfill an overriding duty of care to other persons.

Many famous names have spoken about the effects of being the powerful superwoman. Actress Taraji P. Henson pointed out how the need to show strength can lead to the physical and emotional needs of black women being ignored.

Rapper Stallion Megan Thee spoke about the emotional toll of playing Superwoman after being shot by rapper Tory Lanez. “As a black woman … people expect me to take the punches, take the beating, take the hits and handle it with grace. But I’m human.”

The role of superwoman takes a heavy toll on black women, leaving little room to prioritize their health. To cope with stress, some work emotional eating or binge eating. The constant demands of playing multiple caregiver roles can, too disrupts physical activity.

Of course, these challenges make adopting healthier eating habits and a consistent exercise routine difficult. Even when working toward weight loss, some black women keep gaining weight.

Improving weight loss for women of color

Lifestyle interventions that fully integrate the lived experiences of Black women into treatment may be key to improving weight loss. We argue that Black feminism and feminismthat focus on the experiences of Black women can guide researchers to reconstruct and reframe weight loss interventions to be more effective for Black women.

Black feminism and feminism are approaches that guide women and girls of color to survival and prosperity, especially while always considering the role that gender and race play in various issues. These frameworks focus on multiple areas of health and well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional health, arguing that self-care and well-being practices are acts of social change.

Focusing on the whole context of Black women’s lives can lead to better overall health. Obesity, in particular, is influenced by several factors, and treating obesity requires special attention holistic health and wellness. This includes addressing the economic needs of Black women, incorporating faith practices essential to Black life, nurturing emotional and mental health, and building an environment that makes acquiring healthy foods and engaging in daily exercise an easy choice.

Current weight loss interventions vary widely in the elements of Black women’s lives they focus on. For example, some point out spiritualitywhile others focus on emotional health. Weight loss approaches that meet individual needs and moving away from a one-size-fits-all will be essential to addressing the various aspects of Black women’s lives that affect their well-being.

If health care providers and researchers begin to listen and work with Black women to redesign weight loss interventions, they will likely find that their efforts to address obesity among Black women are more effective.

Loneke Blackman CarrAssistant Professor of Community Nutrition and Public Health, University of Connecticut and Jameta Nicole BarlowAssociate Professor of Writing, Health Policy and Management, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, George Washington University

This article is republished from conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read on original article.