Unseen and Unheard: How “Weathering” Impacts Black Women’s Health
The Hidden Toll of Racial Discrimination
As we observe Gender Equality Week, it’s crucial to address a critical issue that often goes unnoticed: the accelerated aging and disproportionate health risks Black Women face due to “weathering.” This concept, rooted in the ongoing stress of racial discrimination, shows that Black Women’s bodies bear the toll of a lifetime of social injustice, leading to earlier onset of diseases like heart conditions and diabetes.
The Gap in Research
Research has long excluded Black Women, distorting the data that informs medical treatments and interventions. The 1994 SWAN study is one such example. The study focused on evaluating the health of middle-aged women; however, it overlooked the inclusion of many Black women who had experienced early menopause. This omission resulted in a gap in understanding how race-based stressors, like discrimination, contribute to premature aging among this demographic.
New Findings on Chronic Diseases
Dr. Alexis Reeves’ most recent study has revisited previous findings and concluded that Black and Hispanic women tend to develop chronic diseases at a significantly earlier age than previously estimated. The research found that conditions such as heart disease can manifest up to five years earlier in Black Women. This highlights the pressing need for researchers to take into account the concept of “weathering” in their studies on chronic diseases among women of colour.
The Impact of Exclusion
This exclusion is not only harmful but perpetuates health inequalities. Allostatic load—the measure of the body’s stress response—shows that by age 45, half of Black women experience the burden of chronic stress, with the number increasing to over 80% by age 64. It’s important to address these issues and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Advocacy for Inclusive Research
At the Velma Carter Centre, we are committed to advocating for inclusive research that factors in the lived experiences of Black Women. Without their inclusion, studies will continue to miss the full picture, offering inaccurate health advice that fails to serve women of colour.
Let’s use Gender Equality Week as a moment to recognize the disparities in healthcare and demand better. We must ensure that research reflects the real, diverse experiences of all women, especially those most affected by inequality.