A meta-study appearing in the Journal of Advanced Nursing suggests that many women don't make the link between high weight and poor health, and that culture plays a big role in how positively they see themselves. The review of past research papers, carried out by Maryanne Davidson from Yale University, found that there were substantial differences in how Black and White American women define obesity. Intriguingly, Davidson said that while health professionals used quantitative methods such as Body Mass Index measurements, women are more likely to base their ideal weight on cultural criteria. "My review revealed that Black American participants defined obesity in positive terms, relating it to attractiveness, sexual desirability, body image, strength or goodness, self esteem and social acceptability" said Davidson. "In addition they didn't view obesity as cause for concern when it came to their health."
But White Americans expressed completely the opposite view. "They defined obesity in negative terms, describing it as unattractive, not socially desirable, associated with negative body image and decreased self-esteem and being socially unacceptable. But when it came to the links between body weight and health, this group was much more likely to voice mixed views, with some expressing concern and others feeling that weight wasn't a health issue," explained Davidson.
Davidson said that these cultural differences could be an impediment to communication and understanding between healthcare providers and their patients. "That's why it is so important that obesity is approached in a culturally sensitive way, rather than just using quantitative measures like the Body Mass Index," she added.
The World Health Organization estimates that there are at least 300 million obese people worldwide and a further one billion who are overweight. "It's also clearly a cultural issue, as rates range from below 5 percent in China, Japan and some African nations to more than 75 percent in urban Samoa," Davidson said.
Data suggests that 54 per cent of adult Americans are overweight and that women of all cultures are affected. "That's why it's imperative that researchers and healthcare providers understand how people from different cultures view obesity. This will help them to promote key messages about the health risks associated with excess weight in a culturally sensitive way," Davidson concluded.
Source: Journal of Advanced Nursing
