Study: Black Women Likely to Diet Without Help

White women look for diet help more than black women, according to a new study
published in the current issue of the journal Ethnicity & Disease.

Researchers who surveyed 120 women found that white and black women share concerns about body shape and weight. But white women are more likely to join a weight loss group,
get medical counseling and take advice from a trainer.

One of the authors of the study says cultural factors probably play important roles in where and how women seek help for weight loss:

"Role modeling can be important," said Dr. Amy Eyler of the Saint Louis University School of Public Health. "Some African-American women may be less likely to attend a group led by Caucasian women. They may also tend to ask for help from family members first, rather than outside help."

Eyler said all women tend to prioritize family and work ahead of their own fitness.

For white women, the study found, body image was an important motivation to lose weight, but neither group considered obesity-related health concerns as a primary motivation.

What do you make of this study? Have you tried seeking advice from a trainer or taking the group approach, or do you prefer to go it alone?

Geoffrey Bennett

12:47 PM ET | 07- 5-2007 | permalink

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