Support needs of overweight African American women for weight loss

Janet L. Thomas, Diana W. Stewart, Ian M. Lynam, Christine M. Daley, Christie Befort, Robyn M. Scherber, Andrea E. Mercurio, Kolawole S. Okuyemi, Jasjit S. Ahluwalia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To examine social support needs of obese and overweight African American women for weight loss. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with overweight and obese African American women. Data were analyzed using standard grounded theory text analysis. Results: Our middleaged (45.7 years; SD=12.6) women (N = 66) were interested in receiving support from others focused on the health benefits of weight loss. Behaviors perceived as supportive include co-participating in exercise, providing nutrition education, using positive reinforcements, and avoiding criticism. Conclusions: African American women are interested in a program designed to increase social support for their weight loss.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)339-352
Number of pages14
JournalAmerican journal of health behavior
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Keywords

  • African American
  • Obese
  • Qualitative
  • Social support
  • Weight loss

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