Management of obesity in black females in a community model clinic: A preliminary study

Abstract

During a three-month period, March-May 1978, 23 black females were accepted as patients in the obesity program at the model office of the Department of Community Health and Family Practice, College of Medicine, Howard University.An aggregate of 55 visits made by these patients was recorded for the same period.The mean age of the patients was 38.3 years (SD:13.67), and half of the patients were below 40. Nearly 70 percent had a history of obesity in either one or both parents. More than one half had had high blood pressure and 70 percent of the patients had attempted dieting previously. Common snacks taken by the patients were carbohydrate-rich foods.Based on previous medical and dietary history and behavior patterns related to food intake, the patients were prescribed low-calorie or modified high-protein diets. Each patient at the clinic had a program devised individually for her. A team consisting of a physician, nutritionist, and health educator looked for patterns of behavior causing patients to overeat.The mean initial weight of all patients was 218 lb at registration and the weight after seven weeks of follow-up was 213.8 lb.