scholarly journals The association between the body mass index of first-year female university students and their weight-related perceptions and practices, psychological health, physical activity and other physical health indicators

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janetta Cilliers ◽  
Marjanne Senekal ◽  
Ernesta Kunneke

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between the weight status of first–year female students (FYFS) and various weight management–related characteristics to identify possible components of a weight management programme for students.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingFemale residences at a South African university.SubjectsA total of 360 FYFS.ResultsMean (± standard deviation (SD)) body mass index (BMI) of the FYFS was 21.8 ± 2.6 kg m−2, with 7.2% being underweight, 81.9% normal‐weight, 10.0% overweight and 0.8% obese. Underweight, normal–eight and overweight students differed with regard to their perception of their weight (P < 0.001), weight goals (P < 0.001) and previous weight–loss practices (P < 0.001). Mean ± SD score on the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT–26) was 8.5 ± 9.0 with 8.4% classified as high scorers. Mean ± SD score on the 34-item Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was 87.7 ± 32.2, with 76.1% classified as low, 11.9% as medium and 11.9% as high scorers. The self-concept questionnaire indicated that 36.7% had a high, 43.9% a medium and 19.4% a low self-concept. Higher BMI correlated with a higher BSQ score (P < 0.001), a lower self-concept (P = 0.029) and a higher EAT-26 score (P < 0.001). Smoking was prevalent amongst 13.1% of students, and 51.2% used vitamin and/or mineral supplements. Students who quitted smoking had higher (P = 0.006) BMI (22.7 ± 2.9 kg m-2) than those who never smoked before (21.6 ± 2.5 kg m−2). Normal-weight students were more physically active than underweight or overweight students (P = 0.038).ConclusionsThe specific weight management-related needs of FYFS include information about supplement use, smoking, realistic weight goals, safe and sound weight-loss methods, weight cycling, body-shape perceptions, eating attitudes and behaviours, self-concept and physical activity. Interventions aimed at correcting these problems should target all students, regardless of their BMI.

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Gast ◽  
Hala Madanat ◽  
Amy Campbell Nielson

The purpose of this study was to determine where men fall on the motivation continuum based on intuitive eating status and if motivation for physical activity and intuitive eating are correlated. Results indicate that being an intuitive eater was associated with a lower body mass index. In terms of demographic variables, as age increased, intuitive eating status decreased and body mass index increased. Men scored high on the antidieting and self-care subscales of the Intuitive Eating Scale. Men who were classified as intuitive eaters scored higher on the external and introjected regulation of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire but no significant differences were reported by eating status and the identified and intrinsic motivation subscales. Intuitive eating holds promise as a weight management and weight loss tool for men. Intuitive eating may also influence initial motivation for physical activity for men.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo de Sousa Fortes ◽  
Ana Carolina S. Amaral ◽  
Sebastião de Sousa Almeida ◽  
Maria Elisa C. Ferreira

OBJETIVO: Averiguar a associação da insatisfação corporal (IC), do grau de comprometimento psicológico ao exercício (GCPE), do nível habitual de atividade física (NAF), do índice de massa corpórea (IMC), do percentual de gordura (%G) e da etnia com o comportamento alimentar inadequado (CAI) de adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Investigação transversal, da qual participaram 362 jovens de ambos os sexos, com idades entre dez e 19 anos, selecionados por amostragem estratificada. O Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) foi utilizado para avaliar o CAI. Ademais, utilizou-se o Body Shape Questionnaire, a Commitment Exercise Scale e o International Physical Activity Questionnaire para avaliar IC, GCPE e NAF, respectivamente. Conduziu-se análise multivariada e regressão múltipla para se analisarem os dados. RESULTADOS: Os resultados evidenciaram que a IC, o GCPE, o IMC e o %G associaram-se significativamente (p<0,05) com os escores das subescalas do EAT-26, tanto no sexo feminino, quanto no masculino. Os valores indicativos dessas associações foram diferentes entre os sexos. CONCLUSÕES: a insatisfação corporal e o IMC parecem ser os fatores mais fortemente associados aos distintos construtos do comportamento alimentar em ambos os sexos.


2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 3301-3310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo de Sousa Fortes ◽  
Ana Carolina Soares Amaral ◽  
Sebastião de Sousa Almeida ◽  
Maria Elisa Caputo Ferreira

Pesquisadores sugerem que o comportamento alimentar inadequado (CAI) em jovens pode sofrer influências de diversos fatores. No entanto, os resultados têm sido controversos. Deste modo, o objetivo do presente estudo foi averiguar os efeitos de insatisfação corporal (IC), grau de comprometimento psicológico ao exercício (GCPE), nível habitual de atividade física (NAF), índice de massa corporal (IMC), percentual de gordura e etnia sobre o CAI de adolescentes. Participaram 362 jovens de ambos os sexos com idades entre 10 e 19 anos. O Eating attitudes test (EAT-26) foi utilizado para avaliar o CAI. Ademais, utilizou-se o Body shape questionnaire, a commitment exercise scale e o International physical activity questionnaire para avaliar IC, GCPE e NAF, respectivamente. Conduziu-se análise multivariada e regressão múltipla para analisar os dados. Os resultados evidenciaram que a IC, o GCPE, IMC e percentual de gordura influenciaram significativamente (p < 0,05) os escores das subescalas do EAT-26, tanto no sexo feminino, quanto no masculino. No entanto, os efeitos das variâncias foram diferentes entre os sexos. Concluiu-se que IC e o IMC foram os principais fatores que promoveram efeitos significativos nos distintos construtos do comportamento alimentar avaliados pelo EAT-26 em ambos os sexos.


2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjanne Senekal ◽  
Nelia Patricia Steyn ◽  
Teresa-Ann B Mashego ◽  
Johanna Helena Nel

This study examined body shape dissatisfaction, eating disorder and weight management-related parameters as well as assimilation of Western cultural norms regarding body shape in black female students of urban and rural origins. Subjects (n=180; 20 ± 4,4 years old) were weighed, their height was measured and they completed the Body Shape Questionnaire, EAT-26, Eating Inventory (restraint scale), Adolescent Self-Concept Scale and a questionnaire concerning weight management behaviours. Main findings include lower prevalences of overestimation of body weight and body shape dissatisfaction, similar prevalences for dieting and the use of Hazardous weight reduction methods, and higher prevalences for overweight, obesity, disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, and dietary restraint among subjects than among similar white groups. Furthermore, those with urban origins were more likely to be restrained eaters, to have attempted weight reduction, to aim for weight loss and to fear weight gain. These data indicate that there are signs of more realism concerning weight status among black female students. However, there are also signs of assimilation of Western cultural norms concerning body shape, eating attitudes and behaviours and weight management. This diversity in the black student population in South Africa needs to be recognized when planning interventions to address eating related problems.


2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110370
Author(s):  
Hannah Bessette ◽  
MinKyoung Song ◽  
Karen S. Lyons ◽  
Sydnee Stoyles ◽  
Christopher S. Lee ◽  
...  

In this study, we assessed the influences of change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/sedentary time (ST) of caregivers participating in a commercial weight-loss program on their children’s change in MVPA/ST. Data from 29 caregivers and their children were collected over 8 weeks. We used multivariable linear regression to assess associations of changes in caregiver’s percent of time spent in MVPA/ST and changes in their child’s percent of time spent in MVPA/ST. For caregivers that decreased body mass index (BMI) over 8 weeks, changes in caregivers’ MVPA was strongly associated with the change in children’s MVPA (β = 2.61 [95% CI: 0.45, 4.77]) compared to caregivers who maintained/increased BMI (β = 0.24 [–2.16, 2.64]). Changes in caregivers’ ST was strongly associated with changes in children’s ST (β = 2.42 [1.02, 3.81]) compared to caregivers who maintained/increased BMI (β = 0.35 [–0.45, 1.14]). Findings reinforce encouraging caregivers to enroll in weight-loss programs for the benefit of their children as well as for themselves.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Tong ◽  
Elizabeth Morris ◽  
Susan A. Jebb ◽  
Dimitrios A. Koutoukidis

Abstract Background Many people with obesity receive weight loss consultations by general practice nurses (GPNs) in routine primary care. This exploratory study aimed to characterise the components of these consultations, including behaviour change techniques (BCTs), and dietary and physical activity recommendations. Methods We analysed audio recordings of weight management consultations conducted by 8 GPNs as part of the ‘usual care’ group in a randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN75092026). Consultations were coded against three taxonomies to classify BCTs, dietary recommendations, and physical activity recommendations. Associations between coded content and weight loss were assessed. Differences in the content of consultations where weight loss was < 5% or ≥ 5% from baseline weight at 6 months were explored. Results One hundred and fifty audio recordings were available from 53 out of 140 (38%) participants in the usual care group. Participants had on average 3 (SD = 1) recorded consultations over 3 months, lasting 14 (SD = 7) minutes each. Weight change at 3, 6, and 12 months was -3.6% (SD = 4.3), -5.5% (SD = 6.0) and -4.2% (SD = 6.5) for participants with audio recordings. GPNs used 3.9 (SD = 1.6) of 93 BCTs, 3.3 (SD = 2.7) of 30 dietary recommendations and 1.4 (SD = 1.2) of 10 physical activity recommendations per consultation. The most commonly employed BCTs were feedback on outcome of behaviour (80.0%), problem solving (38.0%), and social reward (34.3%). The most common dietary recommendations were about portion size (31.3%), nutrients (28.0%), and balanced diet (19.7%). The main physical activity recommendation was about walking (30.3%). There was no association between weight loss and the number of dietary recommendations, physical activity recommendations, or BCTs used per consultation, or per participant. Social reward was the only technique used significantly more in consultations of participants that lost ≥ 5% of their baseline weight at 6 months. Conclusions The study provides a new method that could be used to describe the content of weight management consultations. Specific dietary or physical activity recommendations and BCTs were used infrequently and inconsistently in this group of GPNs. Although replication is required in larger samples, this may point to a weakness in current practice.


2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1813-1822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michela Barichella ◽  
Alexis E Malavazos ◽  
Giuseppe Fatati ◽  
Emanuele Cereda

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the awareness and knowledge about weight status and its management.DesignA 1 d cross-sectional survey. Basic anthropometric assessments (weight, height, BMI and waist circumference) and a self-administered questionnaire were considered.SettingNineteen Clinical Nutrition or Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders Units or Dietetics Services in the Italian region of Lombardy.SubjectsAll adults attending the ‘Obesity Day’ initiative.ResultsA total of 914 participants (605 female and 309 male) were recruited. Although most of the participants (83·5 %) considered obesity to be a disease, 38·5 % were likely to misperceive their weight status. In particular, 38·8 % of normal-weight adults believed themselves to be overweight, whereas 71·1 % and 37·5 % of classes I and II/III obese adults classified themselves as being overweight and mildly obese, respectively. However, most of the overweight (90·2 %), mildly (96·8 %) and moderately/severely obese adults (99·1 %) recognized the need to lose weight. In all, 37·8 % of the sample underestimated the role of physical activity in weight management. Interestingly, only 17·2 % of dieters (previous or current) declared being advised by their doctor to lose weight. Multivariate models revealed that higher age, low education and higher BMI were important determinants of poor weight control and management. In addition, previous dieting appeared not to provide better knowledge, whereas the role of physical activity was recognized mainly by those practising it.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that in Italy knowledge about weight management should be improved not only in the general population but also among health-care professionals. To confirm this finding, there is now the rationale for a nationally representative survey. New educational programmes can be designed on the basis of the information collected.


2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza do Nascimento Ghizoni Pereira ◽  
Fabiana Schuelter Trevisol ◽  
João Quevedo ◽  
Luciano Kurtz Jornada

OBJECTIVES: To analyze eating disorders among female university students and to assess the frequency of bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and inappropriate weight loss strategies in this population. METHODS: The sample comprised 214 female university students attending different health science programs at a university in southern Brazil, aged over 18 years, assessed using self-administered questionnaires. The 26-item version of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE), and a supplementary questionnaire covering data on weight status and inappropriate weight loss strategies were used to assess dietary abnormalities. RESULTS: Mean age (± standard deviation) was 21±9.93 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 21.1±2.59. Among the respondents, 72.9% said they would like to weigh less, 29% reported the use of different weight loss methods (diuretics were the most common, followed by laxatives, amphetamine-derived drugs, and self-induced vomiting). With regard to EAT-26 scores, 22.4% (95%CI 17.7-27.1) revealed abnormal feeding patterns; BITE indicated that 9.8% (95%CI 6.5-13.1) were at risk for developing bulimia and 36.9% (95%CI 31.5-42.3) required clinical evaluation. Mean BMI was lower among students with normal scores on both tests, but no association was found between BMI and satisfaction with own weight. CONCLUSION: There was a strong trend toward eating disorders in the health science students assessed, as demonstrated by EAT-26 and BITE scores; inadequate weight loss strategies are frequently used as well.


2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (14) ◽  
pp. 1677-1685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn E. Kyler ◽  
Rachel B. Kadakia ◽  
Hannah L. Palac ◽  
Soyang Kwon ◽  
Adolfo J. Ariza ◽  
...  

Use of metformin for weight loss for children in a clinical setting has not been well described; therefore, we aimed to identify characteristics of obese patients prescribed metformin in a clinical setting and evaluate changes in anthropometric measures. Records of obese patients aged 10 to 18 years without diabetes attending an academic endocrinology practice from 2009 to 2013 were reviewed. Analyses assessed changes in anthropometric measures (weight, body mass index [BMI], and BMI z-score) over 12 months between those prescribed metformin (n = 49) and those not prescribed metformin (n = 142). Outcomes were standardized before using multivariable linear regression models. Patients prescribed metformin were significantly older, more often female, and had larger baseline anthropometric measures (all P < .05). In the models, subjects prescribed metformin had significantly less gain in standardized weight, BMI, and BMI z-score over 6 and 12 months (all P < .05). Metformin may be a useful weight management aid in children in a clinical setting.


2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Aigner de Souza ◽  
José Carlos Souza ◽  
Ester Shiori Hirai ◽  
Helena de Almeida Luciano ◽  
Neomar Souza

Detectar as prevalências indicativas de Anorexia e Bulimia em estudantes universitárias, considerando estado civil, curso, IMC, depressão e atividade física. Aplicaram-se em 352 alunas o Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) e o Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). O curso de nutrição apresentou maior prevalência positiva de Anorexia (20,2%), as pessoas com depressão (23,2%) e praticantes de atividade física (19,2%). A Terapia Ocupacional e não praticantes apresentaram maior prevalência negativa. Quanto à Bulimia, as pessoas obesas (35,7%) e com sobre peso (21,1%) apresentaram preocupação grave com a imagem corporal; as pessoas abaixo do peso não apresentaram (93,8%). O curso de nutrição apresentou maior prevalência indicativa de Anorexia; e pessoas com depressão tendem a resultados piores nos dois instrumentos.


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