ABSTRACT
Women of color have higher rates of overweight and obesity than White women. Researchers propose various reasons for these rates, and successful clinical interventions for women of color are yet to be implemented in a long-term fashion. Research exploring racial and ethnic minority women's perceptions of food, health, physical activity, and barriers to healthy living is needed to further understand such disparities as well as to create successful, clinically tailored interventions. A successful exercise intervention is one tailored to address women's perceptions of physical activity, coping, and strength through a convenient, culturally sensitive program. Culturally specific or community-based programs should focus on implementing strategies for physical activity that educate, motivate, and promote adherence to exercise within women of color. The epidemic of obesity has also reached the Native American community. Documentation is limited on barriers for Native American women to adhere to physical activity or other positive health behaviors.
