Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence of obesity in the U.S. is highest in non-Hispanic black adults (38.4%) and Hispanic adults (32.6%) compared to non-Hispanic white adults (28.6%). Despite known racial disparities in obesity, not much is known about why these differences exist.
Objective: This study evaluated awareness of obesity, perceptions of obesity management, and barriers to adequate care in African American and Caucasian patients.
Methods: A 48-question survey was administered in 2018–2019 to an urban Endocrinology clinic’s adult patients with a body-mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare variables between groups.
Results: Of 137 respondents, 98 were African American and 39 were Caucasian. Most respondents were female (59–63.9%), had some college education (61.2–71.8%), and an annual income ≤ $50,000 (51.3–63.2%). Comorbidities included hypertension (64–66%), diabetes (73–79%), and arthritis (47–51%). Significantly more Caucasians than African Americans were aware of their BMI (65.8% vs 40%, p=0.0071). Both African Americans and Caucasians perceived their weight to be less than their actual BMI (African Americans: 23.2% perceived “obese” vs. 72.5% BMI 30–39.9 kg/m2 [p<0.001] and 6.3% perceived “extremely obese” vs. 27.6% BMI > 40 kg/m2 [p<0.001]; Caucasians: 37.8% perceived “obese” vs. 66.6% BMI 30–39.9 kg/m2 [p=0.02] and 8.1% perceived “extremely obese” vs. 33.3% BMI > 40 kg/m2 [p=0.01]). Over 90% in both groups agreed that obesity is related to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and early death, and 100% considered obesity treatable. Most (72.2–73.7%) recalled their health care provider (HCP) discussing obesity in the past year. Weight loss options discussed were similar between groups. Most discussed diet (70–82%) and exercise (59–62.2%) with HCPs, but few discussed formal weight loss programs (16.3–20.5%), anti-obesity medications (10%), or bariatric surgery (7–10.3%). Barriers were similar for both groups. Top barriers to diet were cost and lack of time and knowledge. Barriers to exercise were lack of time and inability to exercise. Top reasons for not discussing anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery included concern for side effects or complications, lack of knowledge of the medications/procedures, and cost with surgery.
Conclusions: This study found similar perceptions of obesity management among African American and Caucasian patients with obesity. Despite excellent awareness of obesity as a health problem, decreased awareness of BMI and misperception of weight status were present in both groups. Discussion of diet and exercise was frequent, but discussion of formal weight loss programs, anti-obesity medications, and bariatric surgery was poor. These findings suggest a need for greater patient education and discussion of BMI and treatment beyond diet and exercise for patients with obesity.
Coping With Obesity Stigma Affects Depressed Mood in African-American and White Candidates for Bariatric Surgery
