Women weigh in: obese African American and White women's perspectives on physicians' roles in weight management.

Background: There is little qualitative research on the type of weight loss counseling patients prefer from their physicians and whether preferences differ by race.

Methods: This qualitative study used semistructured, in-depth interviews of 33 moderately to severely obese white and African American women to elucidate and compare their perceptions regarding their primary care physician's approach to weight loss counseling. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach and a series of immersion/crystallization cycles.

Obese women's barriers to mammography and pap smear: the possible role of personality.

Obese women are at increased risk of developing and dying from cancer, but are less likely than nonobese women to receive cancer screening examinations. Our qualitative study explores obese women's barriers to Pap smears and mammograms in greater depth than previous research. We also seek to understand why some obese women undergo screening whereas others do not.