Weight Control Behaviors of Low-Income, African American Women

Abstract

Obesity is extremely common among African American women, and many women express interest in losing weight. To better understand current weight management practices in this population, this study measured behaviors and attitudes believed important to successful weight management. Data were obtained via telephone survey. The study involved 155 low-income African American women aged 30 to 69 identified through an urban primary care clinic. Results were compared between those women currently trying to lose weight (n = 80) and those who were not (n = 75). Those women trying to lose weight were more likely to engage in goal setting and dieting strategies categorized as planning and preparation, communication about diet, and cognitive strategies. Among those currently trying to lose weight, considerable room for improvement in the degree to which the women used the various strategies remained. Public health communications and health care provider interactions may need to deliver a broader, stronger message about healthy and successful weight management for this population.