BODY IMAGES AND OBESITY RISK AMONG BLACK FEMALES - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The prevalence of obesity among Black women has reached epidemic propo rtions. Some researchers have suggested that the body images of Black females may contribute to their high risk for obesity by inhibiting mo tivation 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 female s consider overweight bodies more attractive, while other studies show that Black females prefer normal-weight bodies. Divergent findings ma y be due, in part, to the multidimensional nature of body image. incon sistencies may also be due to differences between the Black females sa mpled. Methodological problems, including the use of measures that hav e not been validated among Black females, the use of various weight-fo r-height standards, and the inconsistent analyses of or lack of physio logical 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 progra ms and suggestions for improvements in future body image studies are a lso discussed.