Racial and Socioeconomic Differences in the Weight-Loss Experiences of Obese Women

Abstract

Focus groups stratified by race and socioeconomic status were used to examine obese women's experiences with weight-loss methods. Six themes emerged: failure of weight maintenance, use of psychological and spiritual approaches, role of family influences and societal expectations, role of African American subculture, method affordability, and racial differences in weight-loss methods. Tailored weight-management interventions for women, particularly African Americans and those of low socioeconomic status, should account for features of African American subculture and address affordability concerns, include maintenance strategies that incorporate psychological and spiritual principles, and target family attitudes and behaviors.

Weight Loss Maintenance in African–American Women: Focus Group Results and Questionnaire Development

“…Frequent ones include the high cost of healthy eating and participating in physical activity. 15,[31][32][33] Other barriers include lack of social support from family and friends, 15,34 lack of time, lack of motivation, lack of role models, 33 burden of family, and caregiving responsibilities, 16,35 emotional stress, 15 Figure 1. Theory of planned behavior.…”

“…Theory of planned behavior. Adapted from Glanz et al 19 inclement weather 39,40 and safety 15,33 Lastly, some studies demonstrate that overweight and obese African-American women are not satisfied with their bodies, 32 whereas other studies suggest a higher level of body satisfaction at larger sizes among African-American women. [41][42][43] This tolerance of heavier weights is often used to explain reduced desire for weight loss.…”

“…Low-cost food and physical activity options might increase engagement in weight loss efforts. 32 Support from family and friends, provision of childcare, and relief from family and caregiving responsibilities would allow time for physical activity. 33 In addition, enjoyment of the type of physical activity performed could be motivating.…”

Determinants of Physical Activity Behavior and Self-efficacy for Exercise among African American Women

“…Research has found that culturally based perceptions related to types of physical activity, time, body image, religion, social support, and socioeconomics impacted physical activity behavior (Davis, Clark, Carrese, Gary, & Cooper, 2005;Henderson & Ainsworth, 2000;K. S. Johnson et al, 2005;Jones, 1992;Kim et al, 2006;Yenek et al, 2001;Young, He, Harris, & Mabry, 2002).…”

“…Overall affect has been shown to influence physical activity behavior. Depressive symptoms and stress, which may be experienced disproportionately by African Americans, has been shown to be negatively associated with physical activity behavior (Annesi & Whitaker, 2008;Davis et al, 2005;Jones, 1992;Wise, Adams-Campbell, Palmer, & Rosenberg, 2006).…”