title: Perceptions of obesity: Black and White differences.
abstract: To better understand similarities and differences in Black and White women's perceptions about obesity, we conducted race-matched focus groups with thirty physician-referred, obese women. Participants completed demographic questionnaires and body image assessments. Analysis yielded some common themes. Unique themes for Black women included disagreement with the thin ideal and their own and family members' satisfaction with their weight; dislike of physical activity because of perspiration and appearance; program access barriers; and difficulties with clothing. White women desired support during weight loss from other obese individuals. Results support education and intervention programs that respond to specific needs of each group.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Georgia, USA. athomas@mail.mcg.edu
authors.forename: Andria M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Ginger
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Moseley
authors.forename: Rayvelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stallings
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nichols-English
authors.forename: Peggy J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wagner
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000193:education / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D001828:Body Image; D015984:Causality; D003020:Clothing / Q000523:psychology; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012938:Social Perception; D015144:Southeastern United States; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000193:education / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data