title: Women weigh in: obese African American and White women's perspectives on physicians' roles in weight management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is little qualitative research on the type of weight loss counseling patients prefer from their physicians and whether preferences differ by race.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study used semistructured, in-depth interviews of 33 moderately to severely obese white and African American women to elucidate and compare their perceptions regarding their primary care physician's approach to weight loss counseling. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach and a series of immersion/crystallization cycles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  White and African American women seemed to internalize weight stigma differently. African American participants spoke about their pride and positive body image, whereas white women more frequently expressed self-deprecation and feelings of depression. Despite these differences, both groups of women desired similar physician interactions and weight management counseling, including (1) giving specific weight loss advice and individualized plans for weight management; (2) addressing weight in an empathetic, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and respectful manner; and (3) providing encouragement to foster self-motivation for weight loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While both African American and white women desired specific strategies from physicians in weight management, some white women may first need assistance in overcoming their stigma, depression, and low self-esteem before attempting weight loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chugh
authors.forename: Asia M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: Lynn P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Clemow
authors.forename: Jeanne M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ferrante
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D033262:Narration; D009515:New Jersey; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D057240:Patient Preference; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011320:Primary Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D015431:Weight Loss; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Obesity; Physician-Patient Relations; Primary Health Care