The Association of Body Mass Index, Body Image, and Body Satisfaction among African American Women
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Abstract The Association of Body Mass Index, Body Image, and Body Satisfaction among African American Women Purpose Obesity is a significant health issue in the United States, especially among African American (AA) women, and is associated with chronic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. Barriers to weight loss among AA women may include having a more positive body image and body satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to determine if Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) predict body perception and body image scores among AA women in the Better Me Within study, a randomized controlled trial evaluating a faith-enhanced diabetes prevention. Methods Baseline data were collected from 150 AA women (Means: Age = 48.5 ±11.7 years, BMI = 37.9±9.0, WC 42.7±5.9) to evaluate if the independent variables, BMI(kg/m2) and WC(cm), predict outcome variables including the Body Appreciation Scale score and the Pulver Figure Rating Scale (body discrepancy) score. Body discrepancy scores were determined by subtracting the scored ideal body shape from the scored current body shape. Linear regression controlling for education and age was used to evaluate the relationships. Results Greater WC predicted an increase in body appreciation (p0001), and a decrease in body discrepancy scores indicating more acceptance of current body size (ppp Conclusion Positive body image and perception among AA women with high BMI and WC may reduce motivation to participate in weight loss and dietary programs. Future research should evaluate other motivations to improve health in these high risk women.