Weight-loss experience of black and white participants in NHLBI-sponsored clinical trials
Article Abstract:
Obesity is a major health problem. Many people try to loose weight, but very few are successful. Several studies have tried to identify factors that promote weight gain and hinder weight loss. Obesity is known to be more common in certain minority groups, such as black women and Native Americans, which suggests that cultural, racial, and gender differences may influence weight control. This article describes the results of a study designed to examine racial and gender differences in the weight loss of black and white men and women. Weight loss data were obtained from two different studies that used weight reduction as part of a program to control high blood pressure. The weight loss studies included a total of 61 black women, 28 black men, 91 white women, and 359 white men. Changes in body weight were recorded before and during the weight loss program. During the first six months of the program, the white women lost more weight (10 pounds) than the black women (5 pounds). After 18 months, the black women had regained all of the weight that they had lost. By 36 months, the black women weighed an average of 5 pounds more than they did when they started the weight loss program, while the white women weighed 3 pounds less than when they started the program. Initially, the white men lost more weight than the black men, but differences in weight loss for the men was not as great as it was for the women. The results of this study indicate that whites have more success in loosing weight than blacks. Possible explanations for the racial differences in weight loss include differences in the level of education, socioeconomic status, self-perception of obesity, cultural influences, food preferences, and exercise habits. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1991
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Cuidando El Corazon - a weight-reduction intervention for Mexican Americans
Article Abstract:
Obesity is common among Mexican Americans, as it is among many other populations. A research study was designed to determine the effectiveness of a culture-specific weight-reduction and exercise program in achieving long-term weight loss in Mexican Americans. The study was called Cuidando El Corazon (CEC, Taking Care of your Heart), and it compared the effectiveness of three different methods for promoting weight loss in 168 obese female Mexican Americans. The first method used a booklet that provided information on nutrition, healthy recipes, and exercise. The second method used the booklet in combination with classroom sessions that provided nutrition counseling and emphasized the importance of exercise. In addition to the booklet and classroom sessions, the third method focused on changing the eating and exercise habits of the entire family. The study period lasted for 12 months, and weight measurements were made before, during, and after the study period. Those who participated in the weight loss program that used the booklet and classroom sessions in combination with the overall family approach achieved the greatest weight loss during the study period. The classroom sessions in combination with the booklet were more effective in promoting weight loss than the booklet alone. Although the subjects in this study did not loose large amounts of weight, the results may be helpful for health educators, school systems, communities, and the media for promoting more effective methods of weight loss. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
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