• N E Sherwood, L Harnack, and M Story.
• Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55454, USA.
• J Am Diet Assoc. 2000 Apr 1; 100 (4): 442-6.

ObjectiveTo describe health beliefs, weight concern, dieting practices, and weight-loss program preferences of American Indian women residing in an urban setting.DesignFace-to-face interviews using a semistructured questionnaire were conducted and height and weight were measured.Subjects/SettingSubjects were 203 American Indian adult women in an urban community setting.Statistical AnalysisFrequency distributions and chi 2 analysis were performed using the Statistical Analysis System software.ResultsAbout two-thirds of the subjects were overweight. Most women were concerned about obesity and reported attempting to manage their weight. Healthful weight-loss practices (e.g., eating more fruits and vegetables, increasing physical activity) were used most frequently. However, unhealthful practices, such as skipping meals/fasting, using laxatives/diuretics, and self-induced vomiting were also mentioned. Regular bingeing was reported by 10% of respondents.ApplicationsWeight-management intervention efforts should focus on helping clients modify their diet and physical activity patterns. Low-cost programs offered in convenient locations would attract more participants, as would the provision of child care. Education about the dangers and ineffectiveness of unhealthful weight-loss practices will be necessary, given the high rates of such behaviors in this population.

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