Clinical Implications of the Association of Race With Body Satisfaction and Perceived Control Over Eating in Women Initiating a Behavioral Obesity Treatment

Abstract

Objective: An improved understanding of the implications of race on body satisfaction might optimize the weight loss process and quality of life in women with obesity.

Methods: Women with obesity (mean [standard deviation] age, 33.0 [13.8] years) of black (n = 32) and white (n = 38) racial groups volunteered for a cognitive-behavioral weight management program.

Results: Body satisfaction scores at baseline and month 3 were significantly higher in the black group; however, the significant within-group improvements in that variable and on weight, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, sweets intake, perceived ability to control eating, and emotional eating did not significantly differ by racial group. Neither weight nor age significantly added to the strength of the association between race and body satisfaction. Perceived ability to control eating mediated the associations between race and body satisfaction as well as change in weight and change in body satisfaction. In post hoc analyses, inverse associations between body satisfaction and emotional eating were detected regardless of race.

Conclusion: The findings of this study increased understanding of body satisfaction in women with obesity and have implications for addressing psychosocial factors within weight loss treatments across racial and at-risk groups.