The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41270

Aimee James, PhD, MPH¹, Mira L. Katz, PhD¹, Marci K. Campbell, PhD², Ping Shen², and Marlyn Hudson, MPH². (1) Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 100 West Drive, CB#7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, 919-843-7830, Aimee_James@med.unc.edu, (2) Dept. of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Box 7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Obesity/overweight is linked to several comorbid health conditions, and the prevalence of obesity is increasing. As part of the WATCH Project, a colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention intervention in rural African American churches, 850 adult church members were surveyed regarding diet, exercise, and other health information. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height/weight. Height/weight was assessed for a small percentage at a pre-survey health-fair, validating the self-report. Thirty-six percent of respondents were overweight (BMI >=25 and <30) and an additional 41% were obese (BMI>=30). Women had significantly higher BMI's than men (t=-4.66, p<.001). Poorer self-rated health was related to higher BMI (F (4,817)=6.52, p<.001); high blood pressure also was associated with higher BMI (F (1,812)=21.03, p<.001). For health behaviors, recreational exercise was significantly lower as BMI increased (p<.01) but fruit/vegetable consumption was not significantly related to BMI. Certain barrier items (e.g., time or cost) emerged as more common as BMI increased. A parallel pattern was evident for perceived benefits. The prevalence of obesity in this sample is substantially higher than that found in national data. Because behavior and some psychosocial indicators seem to vary by body weight, overweight/obesity warrant further investigation as variables for tailoring or targeting health messages regarding nutrition and physical activity.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the learner will be able to

• Define the terms "overweight" and "obese" and discuss the prevalence of oveweight/obesity in this sample and in the nation.
• Articulate the way in which weight maybe associated with health behavior and the social factors that may hinder maintaining a healthy weight.
• Discuss ways in which health professionals can intervene in order to reduce the health burden associated with overweight and obesity.

Keywords: Obesity, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.