Author: Kristin Joan Flynn

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13:

Black women are at high risk for obesity and obesity-related health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Genetic predisposition and socioeconomic theories do not provide adequate explanation for why Black women are at high risk for obesity. Researchers have hypothesized that Black women's greater acceptance of a wider range of body sizes as attractive may make them less motivated to engage in weight-control. Few studies have addressed the relationship between body image and healthy eating and exercise behaviors among Black women. This is the first study known to examine these variables by using measures designed and validated among a sample of Black women. Eighty-seven Black women were recruited to participate in our survey. Hierarchical multiple and logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether body image variables predicted eating and exercise behaviors among Black women. Results suggest that obese women with greater body satisfaction were more likely to eat low fat foods and engage in regular exercise than obese women with less body satisfaction. Body image was not a predictor of healthy eating and exercise behaviors among nonobese Black women. These results challenge previous hypotheses that Black women's more positive body images place them at greater risk for obesity. Instead, this study suggests that positive body images are associated with healthy eating and exercise behaviors that reduce the risk for obesity and obesity-related diseases among Black women.