Young African Americans don't appear to perceive obesity in the way the medical community does, putting them at greater risk for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer, says a first-ever study led by researchers at the Morgan State University Prevention Sciences Research Center. The pilot study, which provides a rare look at the way African-American young adults perceive body size, body image and the impact of weight on their social lives and future health, comes at a time when obesity is near epidemic levels in the Black community and African-American youth are experiencing some of the highest rates.