Obesity Risk Reduction Behaviors among Chinese Americans

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Obesity is a global epidemic affecting all populations including Chinese Americans. A survey research was conducted by Dr. Doreen Liou and Dr. Kathleen Bauer to uncover the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to obesity risk reduction in Chinese Americans. Obesity risk reduction behaviors and psychosocial variables derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior and Health Belief Model were measured along with acculturation factors. The researchers will highlight the role of intention, self-efficacy, and perceptions in relation to health behaviors adopted to reduce obesity risk. Individuals working with Chinese Americans need to approach weight reduction interventions with relevant tailoring of health messages.

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Author Bio

Doreen Liou, EdD, RDN, is currently associate professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition education and social marketing of health behaviors. Her research interests include applications of social psychological theories of health behavior in Chinese Americans and nutrition education of minority populations. She holds a doctorate degree in nutrition education from Teachers College/Columbia University.


Kathleen Bauer, PhD, RD is a Professor of Nutrition and coordinator of the Nutrition and Food Science major at Montclair State University. Currently she is involved in several cultural and academic research projects regarding psychosocial factors related to obesity among Chinese-Americans and methodology for gaining cultural competence. Her most recent publications include first authorship of a textbook on Nutrition Counseling and Education Skill Development, and chapters for books on psychosocial models related to obesity and gaining cultural competence in community nutrition. Dr. Bauer’s applied experience includes directing a nutrition counseling clinic, developing wellness programs for fitness centers and corporations and consulting for nursing homes. Honors include American Dietetic Association 2002 Outstanding Dietetic Educator for Area VII and the Gallo Award for Outstanding Cancer Research from the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.