U. study finds weight loss harder for African American women

There might be a biological reason why some women have such a difficult time taking those extra pounds off. This finding is the result of a study conducted by Penn Weight and Eating Disorder Program Clinical Director Gary Foster, which determined that African American women might have a tougher time losing weight than white women because of their lower metabolic rates. "When black and white women are in the same weight loss programs? black women tend to lose less weight," Foster explained. He stressed that "we're not making up this difference. The difference exists, and we're trying to find out why it is." A person's metabolic rate dictates the number of calories they burn at rest and is responsible for approximately two thirds of all the energy burnt each day. The rate stays constant, and is unaffected by exercise or other means. Foster's information is particularly important because obesity affects so many Americans. Half of African American women and one third of white women are overweight, the study reported. According to the study, obese African American women burn 100 fewer calories per day than their white counterparts. The study -- which appeared in the March edition of Obesity Research -- was based on data from 44 African American and 122 white women. Foster expressed hope that the research will allow doctors to better understand the problems faced by African American women. "[African American women] and their doctors should recognize that there are factors they can control and factors that they cannot," he said. Foster explained that previous studies have tended to only focus on diet, physical activity and preferred body shape. "We said, 'Well, maybe in addition to these environmental factors, maybe some biological factors are important as well'," he said. But he stressed that the "findings of a biological difference should not be interpreted to mean that environmental factors are not important." "Clearly the best way to lose weight is through decreasing calories and increasing activity," he added. "I hope that black overweight women and their doctors can realize that a lower metabolic rate may lead to less-than-expected weight loss." But several African American women said environment and culture should not be underestimated in explaining why they tend to lose weight slower than their white counterparts. "I think in most minority societies? it's just more acceptable -- it's more the norm [to be overweight]," College freshman Angela Moore said. "It's even considered beautiful in most places." And while recognizing the value of Foster's research, Moore maintained that "I don't know how much biological factors play a role compared to what culture plays."