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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Black Women Getting Shorter: Study

They're the only group to lose height over recent generations

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(Newser) – While most of the American population is slowly gaining in height after a recent plateau, one group actually seems to be shrinking over the decades. Black women have lost about a half-inch on average compared to the previous generation, the exact opposite of the national trend, the Chicago Tribune reports, with a variety of socioeconomic factors seemingly behind the drop.

One big clue is that high-income black women follow the overall growth trend, suggesting that nutrition may play a factor in the poorer women’s shrinking. Compared with the national obesity rate of 62% among women, about 80% black women are overweight or obese. Black children seem to grow faster at first than white kids, likely because of higher-calorie diets.

The relative prevalence of obesity in America. Among racial groups, African Americans have the highest rates, with 80% of Black women overweight or obese, compared to 62% of women overall.
The relative prevalence of obesity in America. Among racial groups, African Americans have the highest rates, with 80% of Black women overweight or obese, compared to 62% of women overall.
Alana Washington, 9, catches a ball while playing kickball during a program at Children's Medical Center to help families with overweight children get healthier, March 6, 2007.
Alana Washington, 9, catches a ball while playing kickball during a program at Children's Medical Center to help families with overweight children get healthier, March 6, 2007.   (AP Photo)
One possible reason for black women's decreasing average height is poor nutrition: among high-income black women, height is increasing, but for others, obesity is on the rise.
One possible reason for black women's decreasing average height is poor nutrition: among high-income black women, height is increasing, but for others, obesity is on the rise.   (©infomatique)
While higher-income Black women aren't showing a decline in average height, their lower- and middle-income counterparts have health problems that could perpetuate themselves.
While higher-income Black women aren't showing a decline in average height, their lower- and middle-income counterparts have health problems that could perpetuate themselves.   (©infomatique)
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2 comments
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Shannonals
Dec 27, 08 2:18 PM CST
I thought this was a serious article, until I realized the Chicago Tribune released the story...now I have something to wrap my fish in. Reply
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vendetta
Dec 28, 08 7:14 AM CST
I think they meant fatter and angrier. Reply
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