Facilitators of and barriers to healthy eating and physical activity for Black women: a focus group study in Florida, USA

Black women’s experiences of, perceptions of, and attitudes to healthy eating and physical activity have been suggested as contributors to their high rates of obesity. This paper uses data from four focus groups with Black women aged 18–45 years in Broward County, Florida, to explore their views. Findings suggest that participants were aware of the importance of healthy eating and physical activity, and motivated by wanting to model healthy behaviors for their families, but that ‘healthy’ behavior was perceived as requiring considerable ‘pre-planning’ and commitment. Programs addressing Black women that incorporate their perceptions and work with them to overcome challenges are needed.