The Christian Post recently interviewed Keisha L. Bentley-Edwards, associate director of research and director of the health equity working group about a recent study she led about Black men, faith, and obesity.
“Our analysis of NSAL data found no denominational differences in obesity, but did observe an interaction between gender and the frequency of religious service attendance that greatly increased the likelihood of obesity in men , but not women,” lead author of the study, Keisha L. Bentley-Edwards, and her colleagues wrote. Her colleagues include: Loneke T. Blackman Carr , Paul A. Robbins, Eugenia Conde, Khaing Zaw, and William A. Darity Jr.
“Investigating Denominational and Church Attendance Differences in Obesity and Diabetes in Black Christian Men and Women,” examines the nuance of Black faith traditions, compared to prior investigations of the relationships between religious denomination, diabetes and obesity.
Key findings indicated that black Catholics and Presbyterians had lower odds of diabetes than Baptists. Black men that attended church almost daily were nearly twice as likely to be obese than those that never attend services. These results indicate that denomination and gender should inform faith-based and placed health promotion approaches.
“Historically, black churches have been a source of spiritual and social support, but greater religious engagement must also support good health behaviors,” Bentley-Edwards told Duke Today.
Read the full article here.
