Examining Obesity Health Outcomes With African American Men in the Black Church

Date of Conferral

11-9-2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Scott Friedman

Abstract

Obesity often increases the risk of developing other dependent characteristics that challenge health and well-being, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Each year, approximately one in three Americans is diagnosed with obesity based on national and public health body mass index standards. Obesity diagnoses among African Americans are historically elevated and have continued to trend upwards year over year. When compared to other populations, African Americans experience higher rates of chronic illness and obesity, which leads this population to experience higher rates of mortality. Although there are many programs, interventions, and evidence-based research studies on how obesity impacts African American women, research data on African American men remain minimal. The purpose of this quantitative research study was to examine African American men and their associations with obesity, diet, physical activity, health status predictors, the church, and mental health for 204 participants. The results of the study yielded significant relationships between vegetable consumption and BMI and physical activity and BMI. Health status indicators (defined as favorable and unfavorable) and weight change predictions were also significant. In this study, health factors examining correlations between obesity, the church environment, and mental health (depression) were not significant or attributable to improved health outcomes. The results of this study may enhance future positive social change research with African American men who seek alternative and perhaps nontraditional methods to manage obesity, improve nutritional habits, and increase their physical activity to prolong and enhance the lifespan.

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