TITLE:
Obesity in African-American Early to Middle-Aged Females: Prevention and Treatment through Education
AUTHORS:
DeAllen Millender, DNP , WHNP
KEYWORDS:
Females; African-American; Obesity; Exercise; Prevention; Treatment
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.4 No.4,
March
28,
2014
ABSTRACT: The objective of
this study was to develop an educational program for African-American females
on diet and exercise in the treatment and prevention of obesity.
African-American female participants aged 30-50
with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 were recruited for inclusion in the study.
A qualitative assessment was completed which observed the attitudes, personal
beliefs, dietary and physical risk factors regarding weight loss before and
after an educational intervention which focused specifically on the targeted
population. Pre- and post-assessment
questionnaires were utilized in this study. This design intended to measure
whether the educational intervention affected real change among the
participant’s lifestyle choices. Results revealed that most participants
initially did not consider themselves to be overweight or obese and that after
the education intervention, realized that they were overweight or obese. Many
participants felt that their support systems were adequate. Initially,
participants consumed fried foods and high calorie drinks. After the
educational intervention, many preferred baked foods and decreased the intake
of high calorie drinks. Emotions were also identified as a cause of overeating.
Many participants found the educational sessions beneficial to their weight
loss and fitness efforts. Challenges such as lack of adequate social support
and emotions controlling eating patterns still exist in this population and
need to be addressed. The creation of standardized protocols to directly
address emotional needs at every medical visit would assist in identification
of problems which could negatively affect lifestyle choices.