BODY SATISFACTION AND OVERALL MOOD: EFFECTS OF RACE IN EXERCISERS WITH OBESITY

Body image in obese women is generally poor, and may be affected by race/ethnicity. The impact of exercise is unclear. White and African American women who were obese started on a supported exercise and nutrition education program for weight reduction. The body satisfaction of the African American participants was significantly more favorable at baseline than the comparable group of White women. For all participants, body satisfaction was significantly related to overall mood, both at baseline, and in its significant improvements over six months. Race/ethnicity did not influence those relationships. Extensions of this research may improve theory and, ultimately, treatments.