More Weight Is Risky for Black Women

Extra pounds increase the risk of death in black women, says a study. It used information from almost 52,000 black American women. Those who were overweight had a 12% increased risk of death, compared with those who were not. Obese black women had a 29% increased risk. None of the women smoked. The study also found that women with larger waists had a higher risk of death, even after researchers accounted for overweight or obesity. Other studies have shown that people with “apple shapes” have more diabetes and heart disease, compared with people who have “pear shapes.” The study was published in the September 8 New England Journal of Medicine. HealthDay News wrote about it September 7.