low-income African American families

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing problem for children in the United States, especially for children from low-income, African American families. Objective:The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand facilitators and barriers to engaging in healthy lifestyles faced by low-income African American children and their families. Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured focus group interviews with eight African American children clinically identified as overweight or obese (BMI≥85) and their parents. An expert panel provided insights in developing culturally appropriate intervention strategies. Results:Child and parent focus group analysis revealed 11 barriers and no definitive facilita-tors for healthy eating and lifestyles. Parents reported confusion regarding what constitutes nutritional eating, varying needs of family members in terms of issues with weight, and difficulty in engaging the family in appropriate and safe physical activities; to name a fe