Weight-related genomic information and provider communication approach: looking through the lens of patient race.

This report explores the process of weight-related genomic information provision considering patient race as an important potential moderator of patient response. Health beliefs and perceived stigma were assessed following provision of genomic (versus behavioral) information by a virtual reality-based physician using either a supportive or directive communication style. Participants included 168 women with overweight. Genomic explanations, combined with supportive communication, resulted in some improved health behavior-related and interpersonal outcomes for white patients, but not black participants. Black participants, on average, did not have diminished outcomes when provided with genomic information. Genomic communications may elicit more positive interpersonal responses than behavioral explanations among both majority and minority populations, but these effects may be moderated by patient race.