Tips For Rapid Weight Loss In Black Women

Indulging too much in your favorite foods and leading a sedentary lifestyle are just a few of the reasons anyone can start gaining weight. However, in some cases, factors that lead to weight gain may be more of an issue for you depending on your race. With this in mind, black women seeking rapid weight loss should pay particular attention to certain factors to increase their chances of success.

Drive Less

African-American women who live in highly populated urban centers put on fewer pounds than their suburban-dwelling peers, according to a study from Boston University School of Medicine Slone Epidemiology Center. In their findings, which were published in a 2011 issue of the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine," researchers indicate that living in sprawling areas leads to less walking and a greater dependence on automobiles. Take advantage of every opportunity to walk more. For instance, walk your kids to school or walk your dog. Biking is another form of transportation than can boost your activity level and keep your weight off. Aim to complete at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

Check Your Blood Glucose Levels

Even if their weight is normal, African-American women are more at risk for a condition called "insulin resistance," reports the Wake Forest School of Medicine. However, insulin resistance makes it even more difficult for you to lose weight rapidly if you are overweight. In insulin resistance, your body doesn't properly use the insulin it produces so the pancreas keeps pumping out more insulin. Chronically high insulin levels prompts your body to store fat, not shed it. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to have your blood glucose levels tested.

Get More Sleep

Lack of sleep is linked to weight gain and obesity, according to the National Sleep Foundation. When you're sleeping, your body produces hormones that play a role in regulating your appetite. Poor sleep also disrupts glucose metabolism. Ideally, you need about seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, African-Americans are less likely to reporting sleeping for seven hours than whites, according to a study published in the "Journal of the National Medical Association" in 2008. To speed up weight loss, improve your sleep habits. For instance, try going to sleep at the same time each night, avoid heavy activity within three hours of your bedtime and take a warm bath. Also, use white noise, such as a fan, to block out interruptions.

Breastfeed

If you are battling post-pregnancy weight, breastfeeding your baby more often can help those pounds to disappear. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, women who breastfeed exclusively for longer than three months shed more weight than those who do not. But non-Hispanic black women are less likely to begin breastfeeding than non-Hispanic whites, or to breastfeed for as long as whites, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are having difficulty initiating breastfeeding, seek assistance from your family doctor or a lactation consultant. It won't only boost your baby's health; it will help you reach your weight loss goals more rapidly.