Title: 8 Conditions With Higher Risk for African Americans
Headings: 8 Conditions With Higher Risk for African Americans
8 Conditions With Higher Risk for African Americans
About The Author
Sarah Lewis, PharmD

Content: Among Black adults, 63% of men and 77% of women are either overweight or obese. This extra weight contributes to the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. And all of these conditions increase the likelihood of heart disease. Diet and exercise are the main way to fight obesity and being overweight. Unfortunately, Black Americans are 20% less likely to be physically active compared to whites. To assist in changing this, the Federal government supports efforts to increase awareness and opportunities for physical activity in underserved communities. 4
Diabetes
Diabetes is 60% more common among African Americans compared to non-Hispanic whites. They are also more likely to have serious complications from it, including end-stage kidney disease and limb amputations. And they are twice as likely to die from the disease. Risk factors for diabetes include some of the higher-risk African American health conditions already discussed.