Keith, NiCole R.Hemmerlein, Kimberly A.Clark, Daniel O.2016-07-112016-07-112015-01Keith, N. R., Hemmerlein, K. A., & Clark, D. O. (2015). Weight loss attitudes and social forces in urban poor Black and White women. American Journal of Health Behavior, 39(1), 34–42. http://doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.39.1.4https://hdl.handle.net/1805/10335OBJECTIVE: To explore differences between Blacks and Whites in perceived influences on weight-related behaviors among obese urban poor women. METHODS: Participants (N = 27) received physician referrals to a weight loss program located in Federally Qualified Health Centers and either never attended or stopped attending. We conducted in-depth, in home interviews using a script informed by focus groups, pilot discussions, and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to learn about participants' weight loss attitudes, social forces and perceived behavioral control. RESULTS: White women reported having more social support and social pressure for weight management activities. Black women reported eating for positive reasons whereas white women associated eating with negative emotions. CONCLUSION: Social networks and emotions may be critical factors in weight management and lifestyle program participation.urbanpoorsocial supportobesityperceptionsArticle