| This study examined cultural factors and barriers believed to contribute to the attitudes and behaviors of African American women toward overweight and obesity. Given that obesity has increased at alarming rates in this country, this study addressed the specific problem of why there are disproportionate rates of obesity among African American women. Ten African American women enrolled at a southern urban community college participated in face-to-face, in-depth, semistructured interviews. They also completed a self-administered survey and a food and physical fitness diary.; The research findings indicated that 9 of the 10 participants believed that the following cultural factors and weight loss barriers influence their attitudes and behaviors toward overweight and obesity: cooking and dietary habits; influence of family, friends, and community; tolerance toward being overweight; lack of nutritional and physical fitness knowledge; and certain health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Some of the barriers included lack of time, stress, lack of self-control and commitment, lack of social and economic support, and participation in social activities.; The findings suggested that there are significant benefits for African American women who participate in nonthreatening intervention strategies, such as interviews and diaries, which allow opportunities to express concerns about being overweight and obese. The study's implications for greater social action in the area of obesity research suggest a health promotion action plan in accordance with Healthy People 2010. This plan will assist African American women in maintaining healthier controls over their weight by targeting attitudinal, behavioral, cultural, social, and environmental factors. |
