25% of Overweight Latinas Considered their Weight within Normal Range

By Stacey Rivera 

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A recent study by the University of Texas Galveston found that 25% of Latinas who are classified as overweight in medical terms see themselves as normal weight. Study author Mahbubur Rahman believes this is a symptom of the "fattening of America," meaning being overweight has become the norm for some women.
According to BusinessWeek.com column Health Day, the study looked at more than 2,200 women who visited a public-health clinic for reproductive assistance and more than half of these reproductive-age women (20 to 39 years) were above a normal body mass index (BMI). An even higher proportion of black Americans (82 percent) and Mexican Americans (75 percent) were overweight or obese.
This misconception of size could lead to serious health issues. Diet and exercise are key factors in preventing diabetes and heart disease, among other illnesses, and women who don’t believe themselves overweight won’t take the steps necessary to lose weight and protect their health.
Are you overweight? Check your BMI here.