Exploring Differences in Weight Perception among Blacks and Whites Público

Abstract

Abstract
Exploring Differences in Weight Perception among Blacks and Whites
By Yolanda Hendley
Background: The prevalence of obesity is higher in blacks than whites, especially in black women, and is a major contributor to ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Weight perception may contribute to these differences if blacks are more likely to underestimate their weight. We explored race and gender differences in underestimation of weight, after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors
Methods: The META-Health Study (Morehouse and Emory Team up to eliminate cardiovascular Health disparities) is a 2-stage study including a random-digit-dialing and phone interview of white and black residents of metro Atlanta, aged 30-66, followed by a clinic visit with detailed testing in a subsample. A total of 3391 individuals were interviewed. Of these, 219 white and 240 black men and women underwent detailed testing. Perceived weight status was assessed over the phone with the question: "How do you describe your weight? Would you say underweight, about the right weight, overweight, or obese?" Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to compare the likelihood of underestimating actual weight category by race, before and after adjusting for socidodemographic, lifestyle factors, and medical history.

Results: Blacks compared with Whites were on average younger, had higher financial stress, and were less likely to be college graduates. Both blacks and whites largely underestimated their weight, but blacks underestimated weight more than whites (64.1% vs. 32.4%). In multivariate analysis, the odds of underestimating BMI category was greater than threefold in blacks compared with whites [OR (95% CI) 3.3 (95% CI, 2.1-5.1) ] and was larger for black women than for black men (p<0.01 for interaction). When taking into account fat distribution by utilizing WC as a measure of weight, the observed difference in weight underestimation remained. Conclusion: Our data suggest a pervasive attitude toward acceptance of excess weight among blacks, particularly black women, who have the highest burden of obesity. Educational efforts aimed at decreasing obesity among blacks should be targeted towards ameliorating weight misperception and improving knowledge of obesity-associated risks.

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About this Master's Thesis

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School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Clinical Research Curriculum Program
Degree	MS
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Epidemiology
Palabra Clave	epidemiology obesity race risk factors
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Boring, John R, Emory University
Committee Members	McGowan Jr., John E, Emory University Vaccarino, Viola, Emory University Ziegler, Thomas R, Emory University

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