Faculty Collaboration Database

Ethnic Differences in correlates of obesity between Latin-American and black Women. Obes Res 2004 Apr;12(4):652-60

Date

04/20/2004

Pubmed ID

15090633

DOI

10.1038/oby.2004.75

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-3042720646 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   67 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To date, no studies have examined dietary intake, physical activity, and body image in a large sample of Latin-American and black women recruited using the same methodology. The aim of this study was to examine three potential correlates of obesity (dietary intake, body image, and physical activity) in a large sample of Latin-American and black women across the weight spectrum.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participants were black (n = 271) and Latin-American (n = 234) adult women who completed a 24-hour dietary recall and physical activity and body image questionnaires.

RESULTS: After controlling for BMI, education, marital status, and number of children, black women consumed more kilocalories, dietary fat (grams), and percent calories from fat than Latin-American women, who consumed more carbohydrates (grams) and dietary fiber (total and soluble). Black women engaged in more sedentary behavior than Latin-American women. Although Latin-American women weighed less than black women, they perceived their current body image as heavier and reported greater body image dissatisfaction than black women. Black women also reported a higher ideal body image than Latin-American women.

DISCUSSION: The combined effect of a diet higher in calories and fat, increased sedentary behavior, and more accepting body image could account for higher rates of obesity among black women. Future studies should further explore cultural attitudes and beliefs related to weight that could provide information for the development of culturally competent obesity interventions.

Author List

Sánchez-Johnsen LA, Fitzgibbon ML, Martinovich Z, Stolley MR, Dyer AR, Van Horn L

Authors

Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen PhD Center Associate Director, Professor in the Institute for Health and Humanity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Melinda Stolley PhD Center Associate Director, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Body Image
Body Weight
Diet
Diet Records
Educational Status
Exercise
Female
Humans
Income
Latin America
Marital Status
Mental Recall
Middle Aged
Obesity
Surveys and Questionnaires