Weight loss attitudes and social forces in urban poor Black and White women

To explore differences between Blacks and Whites in perceived influences on weight-related behaviors among obese urban poor women.

Participants (N = 27) received physician referrals to a weight loss program located in Federally Qualified Health Centers and either never attended or stopped attending. We conducted in-depth, in home interviews using a script informed by focus groups, pilot discussions, and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to learn about participants' weight loss attitudes, social forces and perceived behavioral control.

White women reported having more social support and social pressure for weight management activities. Black women reported eating for positive reasons whereas white women associated eating with negative emotions.

Social networks and emotions may be critical factors in weight management and lifestyle program participation.