Body images and obesity risk among Black females: A review of the literature

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity among Black women has reached epidemic proportions. Some researchers have suggested that the body images of Black females may contribute to their high risk for obesity by inhibiting motivation for weight control. While a number of empirical studies have examined the body images of Black females, findings are complex and at times, inconsistent. For example, some studies show that Black females consider overweight bodies more attractive, while other studies show that Black females prefer normal-weight bodies. Divergent findings may be due, in part, to the multidimensional nature of body image. Inconsistencies may also be due to differences between the Black females sampled. Methodological problems, including the use of measures that have been validated among Black females, the use of various weight-for-height standards, and the inconsistent analyses of or lack of physiological data, also may contribute to conflicting results. This review addresses the complexity of body image findings among a heterogeneous Black female population and the relationship between their body images and obesity risk. Implications for effective obesity treatment programs and suggestions for improvements in future body image studies are also discussed.

Neighborhood context and ethnicity differences in body mass index: A multilevel analysis using the NHANES III survey (1988–1994)

“…Differences in body image between Blacks and Whites, particularly among women, may be a factor contributing to the higher rates of obesity in Blacks (Flynn and Fitzgibbon, 1998). For example, Black women indicate less disapproval of overweight women than do White women (Hebl and Heatherton, 1998).…”

Factors that influence body image representations of black Muslim women

“…Correspondence to: Angela Odoms-Young.Nevertheless, whereas early studies discussed black women's body image as a cultural asset, in the context of the growing concern over the rising prevalence of obesity, it has been suggested that body image norms in the black community may place black women at risk for overweight (Flynn & Fitzgibbon, 1998). For example, Bennett and Wolin (2006) report that obese black women were over three times as likely as their white counterparts to believe they were at "about the right weight" (p.40).…”

Perceptions of healthy and desirable body size in urban Senegalese women

“…Several studies have shown that the perception of ideal body size varies with culture, ethnicity, educational level and socioeconomic group [7][8][9][10][11] and can influence the development of obesity. 12,13 In Western societies, thinness is associated with self-control, elegance, youthfulness and attractiveness, and women of higher socioeconomic groups are less likely to be obese. 9 The situation in some developing countries appears to be the opposite, and some authors 12,14,15 conclude that obesity is admired and seen as sexually desirable, and a symbol of social success and wealth in countries where economic resources are scarce.…”