title: Yo-yo dieting in African American women: weight cycling and health.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Research on the effects of weight cycling on health is mixed, strife with inconsistent definitions and the exclusion of African Americans. This study examined weight cycling prevalence among African American women prior to enrolling in a weight management program. Associations of weight cycling with physical and psychological health were conducted.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community-based weight-management program.
  
  
  METHODS
  167 overweight or obese treatment-seeking African American women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Weight cycling was examined in relation to physiological factors, including eating pathology, mood, self esteem, and physical health, specifically current weight, ideal weight, peak weight, and blood pressure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Weight cycling was prevalent (63%). Cyclers had higher current and peak weights (P<.01). Blood pressure did not differ between groups. Cyclers had higher drive for thinness, less body satisfaction, and less self-esteem for appearance (P<.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  African American women are at risk for weight cycling and it may be associated with greater weight and poorer measures of psychological health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, USU Center for Health Disparities, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA. rosborn@usuhs.mil
authors.forename: Robyn L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Osborn
authors.forename: Kelly L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Forys
authors.forename: Tricia L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Psota
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sbrocco
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept