The rates of obesity are particularly high among young women in low income groups and in deprived minority ethnic groups in Britain such as Pakistanis and [African] Caribbeans. Taken from a study by the YWCA

In 2006 a report by the Health and Social Care Information Centre found obesity levels in children to be high among the black population. African and African Caribbean girls had obesity levels of 42 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, compared with 31 per cent of girls in the general population.

Last October a report sponsored by the Department of Health: Tackling Obesity, Future Choices predicted that by 2032 half the UK population will be obese if current trends continue. With already higher levels of obesity occurring among young people of African descent, health experts have been investigating the causes and what can be done to reduce the high obesity rates within this group.

A lack of exercise and unhealthy eating are the main causes of obesity in the young black community. But research gathered from the Department of Health has revealed that these are not the only causes for this condition. Parents have a crucial role to play in the welfare of their children. They often pass down favourite recipes which are mostly high in fat and salt, which may lead their children to adopt poor eating habits.

But the nations’ addiction to junk food is also a contributing factor. Dr Ashiorkor Nortley Meshe from the African Caribbean Medical Society explained: “Obesity in the young black community is a growing problem because our lifestyles are not healthy. It is often more convenient to buy fast food as healthier food is more expensive and takes more effort to prepare. Computer games mean children spend less time playing outside and getting much needed exercise. Hardly anyone walks to school anymore; most either take public transport or are driven by their parents.”

Poverty is another factor that has contributed to high rates of obesity in young people over the last few years. Research compiled by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) states: “The rates of obesity are particularly high among young women in low income groups and in deprived minority ethnic groups in Britain such as Pakistanis and [African] Caribbeans.”

Areas in London such as Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham have high levels of obesity and also have high black and minority ethnic populations. Bimpe Oki, a public health Assistant Director at Lambeth Primary Care Trust told Colourful: “Research evidence suggests associations between obesity and social deprivation. Sixteen of Lambeth’s 21 wards are amongst the country’s most deprived.”

There is further evidence that obesity levels are increasing in young people. Research by the YWCA found that over the last 20 years there has been a major increase in obesity levels among girls and young women. In particular women aged between 16 and 24 are twice as likely as young men to be seriously obese.

Majority of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight

It is difficult to encourage positive lifestyle changes in children and young people without working with the entire family or community, as this is where they have learned their behaviours and eating habits. Dr Ashiorkor Nortley Meshe, ACMS Dr Ashiorkor Nortley Meshe, ACMS

Diabetes is a condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes higher than normal. Obesity is a common factor leading to type 2 diabetes and this form of diabetes is common within the black community. Statistics from Diabetes UK showed that 80 percent of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Whilst just 3.7 per cent of the general population have type 2 diabetes, 6.5 per cent of the black population have the condition.

Health experts have argued that support is needed from parents to help reduce the high levels of obesity in the young black population. Dr Ashiorkor Nortley Meshe told Colourful: “We can’t just look at young people separately to their parents and families. It is difficult to encourage positive lifestyle changes in children and young people without working with the entire family or community, as this is where they have learned their behaviours and eating habits.”

Parents who have poor eating habits tend to pass them onto their children. According to research from the YWCA: “Mothers’ attitudes to food influence their daughters’ eating habits and weight outcomes. Mothers who experience compulsive eating habits are likely to pass on these habits to their daughters.” It is clear that that parents need to become involved in the prevention of obesity.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson, recently stated in an article on obesity: “Every parent wants their child to be fit and healthy - what we want to do is help them make informed decisions about their own children’s lives.” Supporting the argument for parental involvement, Dr Ashiorkor Nortley Meshe told Colourful: “Parents have a major role in reducing obesity within their household. They need to buy healthier ingredients to use in cooking, avoid buying unhealthy snacks and look into ways of making healthy food more appealing to their children.”

As obesity levels continue to spiral out of control and the government and health experts try to find effective solutions, preventing obesity from occurring in the first place seems more logical than having to deal with the various medical conditions that it leads to: “It is a multifunctional problem and everyone has a part to play in its solutions. Our young people are our future and we need to do whatever we can to ensure that their health and wellbeing is safeguarded,” Dr Ashiorkor Nortley Meshe said.


Additional reporting from Deborah Gabriel.