Presented By MERCK & CO., INC.
Corynne L. Corbett, Editorial Director, Black Health Matters, Dashaun Johnson
Cee Nicole, MD, MSW, Magan Ester, RDN
Healthcare professionals Cee Nicole, MD, MSW, Magan Ester, RDN, and trainer Dashaun Johnson joined Black Health Matters Editorial Director Corynne L. Corbett to discuss weight, nutrition, and exercise. They explained how food intake and sweat equity affect healthcare outcomes at the Black Health Matters 2025 Health Summit & Expo.
The Journal of the American Heart Association reports that “In the United States, overweight and obesity are chronic diseases that contribute to excess morbidity and mortality. Despite public health efforts, these disorders are on the rise, and their consequences are burgeoning.”
Those consequences are not distributed equally. Comorbidities disproportionately impact black communities. This is particularly distressing because “there are significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence rates, with African Americans being 51% more likely to be obese,” according to the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, and “Black Americans have the highest mortality rates in the U.S. from chronic diseases, it is important to understand the combinations of obesity-related health behaviors that coalesce into health lifestyles for this group,” per the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Information regarding obesity has not kept pace with rising obesity rates. According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, “Obesity research is advancing swiftly, but the increase in obesity prevalence is faster,” and “biopsychosocial factors determine weight gain much more than personal choices and responsibility.” Despite these facts, obese individuals are stigmatized and shamed due to pervasive misinformation. “As an obesity medicine physician, I think one of the biggest misconceptions I get is that diet and exercise are the only two factors that play a role in a person’s weight,” said Dr. Nicole. “We get that as patients.”
She shared her frustrations with trying “wild” diets and the outdated expectations projected onto those struggling with their weight, especially when it comes to fad diets or exercise programs.
“And I did it, and then I was not 30 pounds down in 30 days. I wasn’t even three pounds down in 30 days. And then I was really, really angry because I spent 30 days not eating real food, and that’s really, really hard,” she said. “And that is a huge misconception that it is as simple for everyone to exercise your heart out.” Dr. Nicole also stressed the importance of education about the science behind obesity.
Nutritionists can help people determine the right path to reach their weight loss goals by helping them understand their unique challenges. Corbett noted the importance of personalization in lifestyle changes. “If you have a chronic disease, some of the things we’re saying may be different for you,” she told the audience. She also stressed the importance of education about the science behind obesity.
“One of the other things that holds us back is a lack of information,” Dr. Nicole added. “We need to make it a priority to educate ourselves.” Nicole offered an example of vital information that audience members were unaware of about chronic illness. “How many of us know what number is the cutoff between pre-diabetes and diabetes?” she questioned. Access to that information can help make visits with your healthcare provider more productive. According to the Journal of Patient Education and Counseling, “Patient education could improve patient outcomes.”
Shame can prevent education. “Some of us don’t always feel exactly comfortable saying, hey, wait, doctor such and such, I didn’t really understand what you just said. Can you please stop and explain that to me?” said Dr. Nicole. “Sometimes, it’s a lack of understanding that holds us back.”
It can be worth working through discomfort to get the tools required to live a healthier lifestyle for ourselves and our loved ones. The doctor is there to help you. It is okay if you do not understand them fully. Keep asking questions until you are satisfied that you have what you need.
“We need to make it a priority to educate ourselves so we understand why it is important to make those changes,” Nicole added. Pursuing mental health can help create the space to get the education needed to focus on weight loss strategies.
“Wellness is not just physical activity. Wellness is not just mental health. Wellness has eight dimensions, if not more,” Ester explained. “When we talk about health, and we talk about wellness and nutrition, we cannot exclude all these parts because to be healthy holistically and overall, we have to make sure that we are paying attention to all of these different aspects in our life.”
Johnson has been promoting overall wellness for more than a decade. He also facilitates “senior body sculpting” with flexible fitness programs that are adaptable for seniors looking to improve their health. His routines can be completed everywhere.
Optimizing those dimensions looks different for everyone. “Nutrition is a very personalized thing. The person next to you on either side will probably not have the same nutritional needs as you,” Ester added. Try not to look at everybody else as the same, and that’s why it’s important to see a dietitian or someone in the field who is an expert on looking at you individually and saying what you need.”
These challenges obstructing weight loss goals can include having a packed schedule. Learning how to incorporate best practices into your everyday life takes time. Johnson graciously opted to admit that his impressive fitness routine would not work for the average person. He encouraged the audience to adapt their exercise routines to incorporate methods they will likely stick with. “Most people say, hey, I want to look like you, you don’t have the schedule I do. Most people that work a nine to five are limited on time,” he said candidly. “I’m not living it on the same time [schedule]. I can work out multiple times a day.”
