title: Body Size Perceptions among Overweight and Obese African American Women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Understanding body size perceptions and discrepancies among African American women may have implications for effective weight-loss interventions. The purpose of this study is to examine body size perceptions of economically disadvantaged, overweight and obese African American women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional using baseline data from a randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  18 census tracts in a central South Carolina city where ≥ 25% of residents were below poverty income.
  
  
  METHODS
  147 economically disadvantaged, overweight and obese African American women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using Pulvers' figure rating scale, participants chose the figure: 1) closest to their current figure; 2) they would be satisfied with; and 3) with a body weight that would be a health problem for the average person. Mean body mass indices corresponding to each figure were compared with those in a large sample of White women.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most participants wanted to be smaller (mean=2.6 figures smaller) than their current size. A majority (67%) chose the largest figure as representing a body size that could lead to a health problem, and most (60%) chose a current figure smaller than the figure they believed would be associated with health problems. The mean body mass index for women selecting any given figure as their current size was significantly larger (5.2-10.8 kg/m(2) larger, P<.0001) than those established in the sample of White women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although women desired a smaller body size, there nonetheless were misperceptions of body size and the associated health consequences. Body size misperceptions and/or satisfaction may pose barriers for effective weight-loss.
authors.affiliation: 1. Department of Health Science, Saginaw Valley State University.
authors.forename: Meghan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baruth
authors.affiliation: 2. Department of Social Work at the University of South Carolina.
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Sharpe
authors.affiliation: 4. Department of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina.
authors.forename: Gayenell
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Magwood
authors.affiliation: 3. Department of Exercise Science and Prevention Research Center at the University of South Carolina.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilcox
authors.affiliation: 5. Department of Kinesiology, Saginaw Valley State University.
authors.forename: Rebecca A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Schlaff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011203:Poverty; D013022:South Carolina; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology
keywords: African American Women; Body Image; Body Satisfaction; Obesity