title: Differences in health-related behaviors and body mass index risk categories in African American women in college.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine if differences in health-related behaviors (diet and physical activity) exist in African American college women based on body mass index (BMI) risk categories.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred eighty-six African American women (age, 19.5 +/- 2.5 y) in college were surveyed using the modified National College Health Risk Behavior Survey. Data regarding demographics, weight loss history/methods, food choices, and physical activity frequency were compared for obese (BMI > or = 30, n = 30), overweight (25 < or = BMI < 30, n = 45), and normal-weight (BMI < 25, n = 111) groups. Data were analyzed using multiple 2-way analyses of variance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No differences in food choices were determined between the groups. The overweight and obese groups were more likely than the normal-weight group to have used healthy modalities such as diet and/or exercise to try to lose weight instead of unhealthy methods such as laxatives and diet pills. The overweight group reported more vigorous aerobic training and strength training workouts than the normal-weight group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Food selection and activity frequency are not enough to differentiate African American women in different BMI categories. Other factors may contribute to obesity such as food portion sizes, genetics, and/or intensity of physical activities.
authors.affiliation: Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, (11GRC), 1201 NW 16 St, Miami, FL 33125, USA. damian.stanziano@va.gov
authors.forename: Damian C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Stanziano
authors.forename: Phoebe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Butler-Ajibade
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult