This study assessed the relation of BMI and waist circumference to the risk of death among black women participating in the Black Women's Health Study. The risk of death from any cause increased with increasing BMI above 25.0, a pattern similar to that observed in whites. The prevalence of overall and abdominal obesity has increased rapidly in the United States, with the greatest increases reported among black women. 1 By 2020, overall obesity (body-mass index BMI, the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters ≥30.0) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference >35 in. >88.0 cm) are projected to affect up to 70% and 90% of black women, respectively, in the United States. 1 Although overall obesity has been clearly associated with an increased risk of death, 2 – 4 the association of overweight (BMI, 25.0 to 29.9) with risk of death has been inconsistent. 5 , 6 A . . .