Communicating With a Diverse Audience – African-Americans

In the United States, three-fourths of African-American women are overweight or obese. There are many medical issues associated with obesity, including cardio-vascular disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis, and various cancers. The life expectancy of an overweight individual is significantly lower than someone at a healthy weight. In 2000, 2.4 million United States citizens died from obesity. This staggering number is unacceptable, and immediate action must occur. In 2005, 77.3 percent of African-American women were considered either overweight or obese. But why are the obesity rates in African-American communities higher than the national average?

Mainstream Magazines and African-American Women
Due to the obesity epidemic, media and magazines are attempting to help fight this health crisis. Mainstream magazines typically were twice as likely to suggest monitoring fast food or junk food intake, eat more protein based foods, and eat smaller food portions. On the other hand, African-American magazines frequently covered fad diets. Furthermore, magazines often suggested that the readers rely of faith and God while attempting to lose weight and fight obesity. Whether you try a specific type of diet, or rely on faith for weight loss, simply becoming informed of the obesity epidemic in the United States is crucial.

Communicating with African-American Women Through Media
Using magazines to engage with African-American women has proven highly successful. Over the years, media have proven the ability to influence and impact behavioral change. By linking individuals to social networks, media have a persuasive hold over the public. Through the use of social media, individuals may become informed of weight loss support groups or nearby walking trails. Placing health and nutrition information in mainstream magazines is an effective way to communicate with African-American women.