Spirituality, Religiosity, and Weight Management in Black Women

Background: Obesity is a major concern in the United States and Black Americans are among those with the highest rates of overweight, obesity, and related co- morbidities. While weight loss among Black women has been studied within the context of a faith-based setting, there is little information about the relationship between spirituality, or relationship with the transcendent, and self-efficacy in the achievement and maintenance of a healthy weight.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships among spirituality (Daily Spiritual Experiences [DSE]), self-efficacy for physical activity and healthy eating, and body composition measures among Black women over the period of participation in an existing weight management program.

Method. Participants were a convenience sample of 83 overweight or obese Black women (M age = 46, SD=11.6) enrolled in one of five participating 7-week Curves for Women weight management classes offered in California. Spirituality was assessed at baseline, while self-efficacy, behavior, and body composition measurements were collected at baseline, 4 and 7 weeks.

Results. Baseline self-efficacy was significantly positive correlated with spiritual experiences (r=.43, p<.001) and congregational support through love and care (r=.28, p=.02). Baseline self-efficacy and daily spiritual experiences independently explained self-efficacy for physical activity (R2=.53, â=.218, p=.03) and eating variables (R2=.35, â=.270, p=.01), controlling for age, by the end of the program. Conclusions. This study supports the hypothesis that spirituality affects self-efficacy for exercise and eating behaviors, which may ultimately translate into more effective weight management outcomes.