Environmental influences on small eating behavior change to promote weight loss among Black and Hispanic populations. (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eldridge, Johanna D.; Devine, Carol M.; Wethington, Elaine; Aceves, Luz; Phillips-Caesar, Erica; Wansink, Brian; Charlson, Mary E.
• Is Part Of: Appetite. Volume 96(2016)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: Weight loss intervention -- Obesity -- African American or Black -- Hispanic or Latino -- Small change -- Qualitative; Food habits -- Periodicals; Appetite -- Periodicals; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2015.09.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6663

Abstract

Abstract: Small eating behavior changes are proposed as more feasible to achieve and maintain than larger changes used in traditional behavioral weight loss studies. However, it is unclear whether overweight Black and Hispanic adults in a low-income urban setting experience small changes as feasible and what might influence feasibility. Participants' experiences in a 12-week pilot weight loss intervention were explored qualitatively to determine the feasibility of making small eating behavior changes in this population. After the intervention (69% retention), semi-structured interviews with 46 men and women (mean age 51, 50% Non-Hispanic Black, 43% Hispanic) revealed that making small eating changes was a process shaped by participants' intrapersonal and interpersonal eating environments. Participants responded to intrapersonal and interpersonal eating environmental challenges by adapting small change strategies, navigating eating environments, and negotiating household eating practices. Findings highlight how even small eating behavior changes called for adaptation, navigation, and negotiation of complex eating environments in daily life. These findings were used to improve the trial that followed and underline the importance of feasibility studies to inform community trials. Findings also add to understanding of contextual challenges and the skills needed to implement small changes in a low income, ethnic minority population. Highlights: Intrapersonal and interpersonal eating environments shaped small change feasibility. Intrapersonal weight theory, eating identity, preferences, practices shaped changes. Interpersonal control over food, household practices, work context shaped changes. Response to eating challenges required adaptation, navigation, and negotiation.