African-American women have the highest prevalence of adult obesity in the United
States. They are less likely to participate in weight-loss programs and tend to have a low
success rate when they do so. The goal of this project was to explore the use of the Health
Belief Model in developing culturally appropriate weight-management programs for
African-American women. Seven focus groups were conducted with 50 African-American
women. The Health Belief Model was used as the study’s theoretical framework.
Participants made a clear delineation between the terms healthy weight, overweight, and
obese. Sexy, flirtatious words, such as thick, stacked, and curvy were often used to describe
their extra weight. Participants accurately described the health risks of obesity.
Most believed that culture and genetics made them more susceptible to obesity. The
perceived benefits of losing weight included reduced risk for health problems, improved
physical appearance, and living life to the fullest. Perceived barriers included a lack of
motivation, reliable dieting information, and social support. Motivators to lose weight
included being diagnosed with a health problem, physical appearance, and saving
money on clothes. Self-efficacy was primarily affected by a frustrated history of dieting.
The data themes suggest areas that should be addressed when developing culturally
appropriate weight-loss messages, programs, and materials for African-American
women.