Weight Loss and Race

Well, this definitely tops the not-fair news of the day: To lose weight, African-American women may need to eat fewer calories and/or exercise more than their Caucasian counterparts, according to new research published in the International Journal of Obesity.

For the study, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine recruited 105 obese women who were participating in a six-month weight-loss program. Some were African-American, and some were Caucasian. Throughout the study, researchers monitored their weight, body composition, physical activity, and daily energy expenditure. 

MORE: Why Women Are Burning Fewer Calories Than Ever

The results: Despite following all of the same slim-down protocols, the African-American women lost about seven pounds less than the Caucasian ones. 

What gives? It turns out the African-American women had lower resting metabolic rates, meaning their bodies were more energy efficient. While that's a good thing if you're at a healthy weight and trying to, say, finish a marathon without fatiguing, it means it takes more effort for you to burn a single calorie. Not exactly ideal for weight loss.

Whatever your resting metabolic rate is currently, though, you can crank it up with these tips to increase your metabolism.

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