Just to introduce myself, I'm Cynthia Levy, the newest writer to the blog.  One of my first tasks for the site was to sit down and talk about health issues with Dr. Valentine Burroughs, of Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. 

It's a fact that nearly 70 percent of African American adults are either overweight or obese and 13 percent have diabetes. So, the statistics are laid out, but how can they be changed?

While there is no magic bullet to weight loss, Dr. Burroughs has a few ideas on how African Americans can begin to address some of the habits that lead to unhealthy living.

1. Because African Americans tend to perceive weight loss differently, Dr. Burroughs said it's best to measure yourself using BMI (body mass index), which takes into account height and build. Doctors prefer this method, and it can be used by everyone.
2. Common myths about dieting in the African American community are it can't be achieved and is difficult to do. Instead, Dr. Burroughs believes dieting is negotiable. By keeping food diaries and exercising, dieting can prove flexible.
3. "Learn how to say no for yourself," Dr. Burroughs said. Rather than looking to cultural norms or celebrities to define a healthy lifestyle, he said African Americans need to look inside. "Give up the remote, go outside and walk, take a realistic look at you."

He also emphasized portion control-yes, even when enjoying soul food. During our conversation, Dr. Burroughs and I talked a lot about the effect cultural norms have on healthy living.  Personally, in my family curvy women are admired-even when you're too curvy.  And because of this I've never felt pressure to be a size two. 

So the question is how do we keep positive cultural norms in place, while encouraging healthy living?

 Dr. Burroughs is a paid consultant on behalf of GSK, but his opinions are his own.