“Real women have curves:” Body image paradox among Latina women in the US

Goals

This presentation examines the relationship between Latinas' body image and their ability to maintain a desired weight. Research questions addressed the psychosocial and cultural factors that influence body image and their possible conditioning effect on self-esteem and self-efficacy.

Methods

Six focus groups of Latinas were conducted in New York City, two consisting of physically active women and four of non-physically active ones. A multi-method data collection system was used based on individual instruments and group guidelines. Questions addressed Latinas' cultural and personal factors related to their desired body image vis-à-vis their weight control efforts.

Results

Women in both samples mentioned health maintenance and body image as strong motivators for physical activity and balanced eating. However, participants from the non-physically active sample presented a body image paradox, expressed as a contradictory interpretative framework regarding body image. These participants acknowledged the influence of mainstream stereotypes that portray the fit/thin woman as synonymous with the Caucasian body type, but also introduced the “Latina” curvy shape as a counter-image to which they subscribe. This contradiction was reflected in their stated struggles to keep a desired body weight and in their mixed feeling regarding the benefits of physical activity. Implications of these results are discussed. Particularly, health messages should challenge a uniform model of womanhood, which may have a negative impact on Latinas' efforts to control weight. The promotion of more realistic body types that are in tune with women's differences may be more effective in targeting non-physically active Latino women in the US.