Body Image and Weight Loss Maintenance in Elderly African American Hypertensives

Leslie J. Heinberg, PhD; Jennifer A. Haythornthwaite, PhD; Wendie Rosofsky, MSRD; Phyllis McCarron, MSRD; Alicia Clarke, MA  

Objective: To examine body image and its influence on elderly African American men and women trying to lose weight to reduce hypertension. Methods: Individuals (n=68) were randomly assigned to participate in a 15-month weight loss program or to control conditions. Weight was determined at baseline, at 6 months and at 15 months. Results: Although mean BMI was 30.4, little body image dissatisfaction was endorsed. Treatment group accounted for significant weight loss variance at both follow-up periods whereas body image scores predicted long-term (15-month) weight loss. Conclusion: Body image may play an important role in long-term success with behavioral weight loss interventions.

Am J Health Behav 2000;24(3):163-173