A new report reveals that Black Americans face unique challenges and perspectives when it comes to weight loss and body image in the era of popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic. The investigation, conducted by Word In Black and STAT, gathered insights from over a dozen Black individuals across the United States.
The study found that many Black Americans struggle with societal pressure to lose weight while also grappling with centuries of oppression and discrimination related to their bodies. Several participants reported experiencing weight stigma from healthcare providers, family members, and society at large.
Racial disparities in healthcare access and affordability emerged as significant barriers. Some interviewees expressed frustration with the high cost of drugs like Ozempic, which can run up to $1,000 per dose without insurance coverage. Others noted the lack of culturally competent care from medical professionals.
The report highlighted how anti-fatness intersects with anti-Blackness, creating additional burdens for Black individuals in larger bodies. Some participants discussed how beauty standards rooted in whiteness have impacted their self-image and relationship with food.
Despite these challenges, many interviewees emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and challenging societal norms around weight and health. Some rejected the medicalization of larger bodies, while others saw promise in new weight loss tools.
The investigation underscores the complex relationship between race, weight, and health in America, calling attention to the need for more nuanced approaches to addressing obesity that consider the unique experiences of Black Americans.
See “Black Voices, Black Bodies: Life in the Age of Ozempic” (May 29, 2024)
