An Observational Study of Slimming Behavior in Denmark in 1992 and 1998

Abstract

observational study of slimming behavior in Denmark in 1992. Obes Res. 200210:911-922. Objective: To elucidate how frequent weight-loss attempts are made, the methods used to achieve weight loss, and the extent to which the outcome is positive. Research Methods and Procedures: Two independent interviews were conducted in 1992 and in 1998, each with 1200 randomly selected adult subjects. Each survey was designed to ensure an equal distribution of age, gender, and geographical regions in Denmark. Results: The proportion of subjects having attempted weight loss did not change from 1992 to 1998, although the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 1992 (overweight, 30%; obesity, 6%) to 1998 (overweight, 35%; obesity, 8%). Almost twice as many women (61%) than men (32%) had attempted weight loss (p Ͻ 0.0001). Slimming occurred more often in subjects Ͻ50 years (51%) than Ͼ50 years (39%) (p Ͻ 0.0001), although overweight and obesity were more frequent in the elderly. Over-the-counter diet pills or meal replacements were associated with a negative outcome of slimming treatment (p Ͻ 0.0001). Discussion: Approximately half of all adult Danes have attempted weight loss, particularly women and individuals Ͻ50 years. This finding is inconsistent with the fact that overweight and obesity are more prevalent in men and in individuals Ͼ50 years. Changes in habitual diet and increased physical activity are the most prevalent modes of slimming, whereas the use of over-the-counter diet pills or meal replacements has decreased from 1992 to 1998. This development may have a positive impact on future bodyweight-management strategies.

Impact of the menstrual cycle on determinants of energy balance: a putative role in weight loss attempts

“…In a Danish study interviews with 1200 men and women revealed that approximately half of this population had attempted to lose weight. 2 Also here the prevalence of trying to lose weight increased with BMI.…”

Overweight men's motivations and perceived barriers towards weight loss

“…Nevertheless, multiple studies have shown that men to a lesser extent than women try to lose weight, and significant fewer men than women participate in organized weight reduction programmes (French and Jeffery, 1994;Bendixen et al, 2002). Several reasons for this could be hypothesized: men are perhaps not motivated for weight loss, or they may perceive too many barriers towards weight reduction.…”

“…(Kjøller and Rasmussen, 2002). Overweight and obese men are more likely than women to carry excess body fat around their waist and upper abdomen, which is associated with an increased risk of many health problems and men may benefit more from weight loss than women, because of the change in fat distribution following weight loss (Wirth and Steinmetz, 1998).Nevertheless, multiple studies have shown that men to a lesser extent than women try to lose weight, and significant fewer men than women participate in organized weight reduction programmes (French and Jeffery, 1994;Bendixen et al, 2002). Several reasons for this could be hypothesized: men are perhaps not motivated for weight loss, or they may perceive too many barriers towards weight reduction.…”

Weight cycling during growth and beyond as a risk factor for later cardiovascular diseases: the ‘repeated overshoot’ theory

“…Because slimming prevalence increases with increasing body mass index (BMI), 3,11 it is often assumed that weight cycling is above all a problem of obese subjects. Indeed, a high prevalence of voluntary weight loss attempts has been reported in overweight and obese subjects in various studies.…”