Background/Purpose African American women have the highest prevalence of adult obesity in the United States. They are less likely to participate in weight loss programs and tend to have a low success rate when they do so.
Method Seven focus groups were conducted with 50 African American women who were overweight or obese. The health belief model was used as the study's theoretical framework. Participants were recruited from beauty salons, churches, sororities, college campus, and low-income housing. A $25 gift card was used as an incentive for participation.
Analysis/Results Women made a clear delineation between “healthy weight,” “overweight,” and “obese.” Some women viewed extra weight as a blessing rather than a curse. The women often use sexy, flirtatious words like thick, stacked, brick house, curvy, and big boned to describe their bodies. Participants accurately described the health risks of obesity. Most believed that culture and genetics made them more susceptible to obesity. The perceived benefits of losing weight included reduced risk for health problems (especially diabetes and hypertension), improved physical appearance, and living life to the fullest. Perceived barriers included a lack of motivation, reliable dieting information, and social support. Cues or motivators to losing weight included being diagnosed with a health problem, physical appearance, and saving money on clothes. Self-efficacy was primarily affected by a frustrated history of dieting.
Conclusions The data themes suggest areas that should be addressed when developing culturally appropriate weight loss messages, programs, and materials for African American women.