ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Baby Boomer men (those born in 1946-1964) are becoming obese at an earlier age compared to previous generations. The present study aimed to identify weight-loss strategies used by Baby Boomer men, to determine whether those strategies varied by weight status and to explore their dieting experiences. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional survey of 211 men and 20 in-depth interviews. RESULTS: Men had a mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) of 29.35 (5.07) kg m(-2), with 82% being overweight or obese. Fifty-six percent were currently trying to lose weight. Healthy weight-loss strategies included reducing portions, increasing physical activity, cutting back on fried foods, cutting back on sweets, cutting back on alcohol, using meal replacement drinks/bars and joining a weight-loss programme. Unhealthy strategies included skipping meals and using over-the-counter 'diet pills'. Men who reduced portions, skipped meals, cut back on sweets, joined a weight-loss programme and used diet pills had significantly higher BMIs than men who said they did not (P < 0.05 for all). Interviews revealed that older men struggle to lose weight, 'I've been struggling for the last 2-3 years'. 'The last time I really tried to lose weight I stayed on the diet for just a day or two'. Wives were considered essential to their weight management success. CONCLUSIONS: Men used a do-it-yourself weight-loss approach using both healthy and unhealthy strategies. Obese men were more likely to use unhealthy practices than overweight men.
Subject(s)
Obesity/therapy , Overweight/therapy , Weight Loss , Weight Reduction Programs/methods , Body Mass Index , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diet, Reducing , Exercise , Health Status , Humans , Male , Meals , Middle AgedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Individuals with limited health literacy (LHL) have poorer health outcomes and have difficulty understanding and complying with recommendations to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The present study examined the association between health literacy (HL) and sources of dieting information, the weight-loss methods used and the information needed to manage weight among African American women. METHODS: This mixed method study included seven focus groups and a survey of 413 African American women. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between HL category and sources of dieting information, weight-loss methods and information needed to lose weight. Thematic analysis was used to analyse focus group data. RESULTS: Women with LHL were significantly more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) than those with AHL (P < 0.05). Compared to respondents with LHL, those with adequate health literacy (AHL) are more likely to rely on information obtained from the Internet (P < 0.001), although they are less likely to rely on information obtained from the television (P < 0.05). They also are significantly more likely to participate in physical activity to lose weight (P ≤ 0.002). In addition, women with AHL were significantly less likely to want information on portion control (P = 0.002). Major qualitative themes were the importance of television and the Internet as major sources of health information, the use of healthy and unhealthy weight-loss methods, and being overwhelmed by the plethora of dieting information. CONCLUSIONS: HL may affect BMI among AA women, where they access dieting information and the types of information needed to manage their weight.
Subject(s)
Black or African American , Body Mass Index , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Literacy , Information Seeking Behavior , Obesity/diet therapy , Weight Loss , Adult , Comprehension , Data Collection , Exercise , Female , Focus Groups , Health , Humans , Life Style , Logistic Models , Middle Aged , Patient Compliance , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: African American women have the highest rates of obesity in the USA. They are less likely to participate in weight loss programmes and are less successful in their weight loss attempts. The present study aimed to identify weight loss strategies used by African American women and to determine whether those strategies varied by weight status. The study also examined the emotional issues that lead to compulsive overeating and identified the types of information that African American women need to help manage their weight. METHODS: A self-administered survey was completed by 413 adult African American women in 2009. Participants were weighed and measured by a member of the research team. RESULTS: Based on body mass index classification, 43% of women were obese, 25% were overweight, 30% were normal weight and 2% were underweight. Sixty percent had tried to lose weight in the past 12 months. Weight loss practices included: cutting back on fried foods (53%), cutting back on sweets (51%) and increasing physical activity, skipping meals (22%), fasting (17%), and using diet pills (7%). Obese women were significantly more likely to fast and use diet pills than overweight women (P < 0.001). Obese women also were significantly more likely to say they wanted information on how to choose a weight loss programme (P < 0.001), manage stress (P < 0.001) and increase self-esteem (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that weight loss messages and programmes may need to be specifically developed for obese women compared to overweight and normal weight women who just need to 'lose a few pounds'.
