Recordings Of Failing Light

Morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease is increased in Black and Hispanic populations relative to other races in the United States. In part, higher levels of physical inactivity among Blacks and Hispanics may contribute to this health disparity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential ethnic variations in the perception of body mass index (BMI), accrued physical activity, and physical fitness in 204 pre-menopausal women. Subjects consisted of Whites (n = 97), Blacks ( n = 62) and Others (Hispanics and Asians, n = 45). Each participant completed questionnaires to assess; health status, body image, physical activity, and stage of change. Body composition and physical fitness were also determined. Although no ethnic differences were found between the perception of BMI and actual BMI in all groups, Blacks were the only group where the perception of BMI was lower than the actual BMI. Significant ethnic differences were found in accrued domestic physical activity, total physical activity, and physical fitness among the study cohort. Specifically, Black women engaged in 50% less domestic physical activity and total physical activity than Whites and Others. Thus these data suggest that Black women may be slightly more accepting of a higher BMI compared to other ethnicities thus contributing to lower accrued levels of total physical activity.