Volume 3 - Number 3 - Physical Activity, Exercise, and Nutrition Interventions for Weight Control in African American Women

Oct 15, 2026

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This paper reviews physical activity, exercise, and nutrition interventions targeting weight control among African American women published between 2006 and 2010, then proposes ways to strengthen future programs. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. Results indicate significant intervention impact, with twelve studies showing increases in physical activity and weight-reduction behaviors. Only five interventions used theory, including social cognitive theory in three cases, while several emphasized adequate sample size and randomized controlled designs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Methods

Results

Recommendations

Volume 3, Number 3, 2010 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, EXERCISE, AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS FOR WEIGHT CONTROL IN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN Matthew Asare, Manoj Sharma Abstract. The purpose of this paper was to review the physical activity, exercise, and nutrition related weight control interventions done with African American women that were published between 2006 and 2010 and suggest ways of enhancing these interventions. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review found significant results with regard to impact of intervention. Twelve of those studies revealed significant increase in physical activity and weight reduction behavior. In terms of use of theory in designing the interventions only five interventions used a theory. In three of those cases social cognitive theory was used. Appropriate sample size was found to be the major strength of most of the interventions. Six interventions used randomized controlled design. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in African American women are presented. Key words: physical activity, African American, Black, women, programs. Introduction There is higher rate of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes in African American women than their white counterparts [1, 2] . Several studies have shown that moderate and regular physical activity could reduce the risk for developing or dying from coronary heart disease, noninsulindependent diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer [3, 4] . The major factors that contribute to the obesity problem among African American women include larger portion sizes, the availability of highfat and high-calorie food consumption and physical inactivity [5] . Studies show that African American women in general do not engage in physical activities. For instance, the US Surgeon General report [3] and Taylor, Baranowski & Young [4] indicated that approximately 25% of American adults are inactive and only 22% consistently engage in sustained physical activity. About 43% of African American women lead a sedentary life while sedentary lifestyle among White women is just about 22%[6] . According to Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey done in 2007, 58.6% African Americans did not meet the recommended guidelines for moderate-intensity physical activity [7] . In order to address the issue of physical inactivity in African American women several health interventions have been designed. Sharma, Sargent and Stacy [8] indicated that identification of specific and modifiable determinants for African American population is needed in order to plan meaningful health education interventions that can be implemented to promote physical activity among African American women. Eyler and colleagues [9] indicated that modifiable psychosocial, social support; and environmental factors can increase African American women participation in physical activity. Greater perceived benefits, higher self-efficacy and fewer barriers are reported to have greater increased in physical activity participation [2, 9] . Key predictors of physical activities among African American are support from friends and families. Sharma, Sargent and Stacy [8] also affirmed that self-efficacy and social support from friends are significant predictors of physical activity and therefore physical activity interventions among African American women must build on the constructs of self-efficacy and friends’ social support. Received 4 June 2010, accepted 15 September 2010, published 30 September 2010. There have been some review articles on physical activity interventions such as the one published by Bank-Wallace and Conn [10] . They acknowledged that more reviews are invaluable to the body of knowledge. The most recent review conducted by Pekmezi and Jennings [11] was restricted to physical activity interventions reported between 2000 and 2007 which focused on interventions to promote physical activity among African Am

FAQs

How many studies were included in this review, and what time range do they cover?

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, covering interventions published between 2006 and 2010.

What overall outcomes did the review find regarding physical activity and weight reduction?

Most included studies reported significant results, with twelve studies showing significant increases in physical activity and weight reduction behaviors.

How many interventions used a theory, and which theory was mentioned?

Only five interventions used a theory; among those, social cognitive theory was used in three cases.

Oct 15, 2026

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