Project Funding Details

African-Caribbean women are more likely to be obese than are other women in the population, and are more likely to suffer from non insulin-dependent diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However they are not currently well supported in weight loss efforts. US-based studies have shown the potential for culturally-adapted weight loss interventions and Internet-based behavioral weight loss programmes, but there has not been a study combining these two approaches. We aim to reduce the risk of chronic disease in African-Caribbean women by promoting weight loss by developing a culturally appropriate Internet based weight loss programme. This 3 year research project will utilise both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, working with the African-Caribbean community at all stages. It will have four phases. Phase 1 will be a qualitative investigation of cultural issues applicable to food and physical activity habits in the context of promoting weight loss. Focus groups will be conducted with African-Caribbean women and also health professionals who work with African-Caribbean women. Findings from Phase 1 will inform the adaptation of an existing lifestyle programme developed by the research charity Weight Concern that has already successfully helped people manage their weight. This will be implemented on the Internet. Phase 2 will be a qualitative analysis of the resulting programme in terms of usability (e.g. navigation), and cultural relevance (e.g. specific content). Phase 3 will be a feasibility trial involving a waiting-list controlled design to assess the efficacy of the programme with overweight and obese African-Caribbean women recruited via a workplace. Outcome measures will include weight loss, changes in diet, physical activity and quality of life (including self-esteem and body-image). Phase 4 is a quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) analysis of the programme?s strengths and weaknesses, to inform future development and use of the package. This intervention has the potential to reach large numbers of people. National trends indicate that African-Caribbean women will increasingly have access to the Internet through work and home, and the development of validated materials to support their weight loss efforts is a priority. The study will also serve as a model for how weight loss programmes can be customised to the needs of different subgroups in the population.