Researchers then compared those shows to Friends , Frasier , Jesse and Stark Raving Mad , which had the highest general-audience ratings. About 27 percent of actors on black prime time television were overweight compared with 2 percent on general prime time. That's a mixed blessing, Tirodkar says. On the one hand, it reduces the stigma of obesity, and helps overweight black women in particular feel good about themselves. On the other hand, she says obesity can be a health problem, not just a cosmetic problem.
Obesity is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and knee and joint problems.
Shiriki Kumanyika, a professor of epidemiology at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, says studies show several reasons for obesity among African Americans, including genetic, metabolic and environmental factors. For example, African Americans who live in inner cities can have a hard time eating according to the dietary guidelines because, unlike suburban towns, inner city neighborhoods often lack a grocery store stocked with fresh produce or low-fat choices, she says. Housing conditions may make it difficult to store food. Inner city neighborhoods may not have the variety of restaurants that offer healthy fare. Television advertising that targets African Americans with commercials for low-nutrient foods may be another negative influence.