Intentions to Prevent Weight Gain in Older and Younger Adults; The Importance of Perceived Health and Appearance Consequences

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates whether health and appearance consequences predict intentions to prevent weight gain and whether these relationships differ in younger versus older adults and in men versus women. Methods: UK adults aged 18-26 years (younger adults; n = 584) or >45 years (older adults; n = 107) participated in an online survey. Logistic regression assessed associations between intentions to avoid gaining weight and age, gender as well as perceived negative consequences of weight gain for health and appearance. Co-variates were ethnicity, education, weight perception and perceived weight gain vulnerability. Interactions between age, gender and perceived health and appearance consequences of weight gain were also tested. Results: Perceived negative appearance consequences of weight gain predicted weight gain prevention intentions (OR = 9.3, p < 0.001). Health concerns were not a significant predictor of intentions overall but were a strong predictor for older adults (age × health concern interaction: OR = 13.6, p > 0.01). Conclusion: Concerns about feeling unattractive predict intentions to prevent weight gain. However, health consequences of weight gain are only important motivators for older adults. Future research should identify ways to shift the focus of young people from appearance concerns towards the health benefits of maintaining a healthy weight.

Motivational Differences between 5K Runners, Marathoners and Ultramarathoners in Poland

“…The prevalence of obesity among the elderly is steadily increasing [53], and the health implications involved in preventing weight gain are important motivating factors for them [54]. In particular, after the age of 50, concern about weight increases again, albeit not for aesthetic reasons (as in the case of young people), but for health reasons-as a priority for people in more advanced age groups.…”

Motivos Psicossociais para Cirurgia Bariátrica em Adultos Jovens e mais Velhos

“…Quando o indivíduo começa a apresentar redução da funcionalidade física, com dores no corpo e nas articulações, cansaço constante e dificuldades em amarrar o sapato, andar, abaixar e passar na roleta do ônibus, agregam-se a esses problemas percepções negativas como os sentimentos de incapacidade, vergonha, autodepreciação e baixa autoestima e, consequentemente, produz-se menor qualidade de vida (Macedo et al, 2015;Agra et al, 2016). Além disso, o avanço da idade (P9) pode aumentar a consciência sobre os riscos à saúde e a necessidade de prevenir doenças evitáveis, o que pode explicar porque os idosos são mais motivados por preocupações com a saúde do que os adultos mais jovens (Beeken et al, 2018). No entanto, os relatos dos participantes mostram que todos, independentemente da idade se preocupam com as comorbidades causadas pela obesidade e que, desejam fazer cirurgia para resolver o problema: "É… ah…o problema da mobilidade, não só a mobilidade aí vai…também tem a questão da… da…aí entra um pouco da vaidade também" (P11).…”

Using Facebook to gain health information and support: How attitude, norms, and locus of control predict women's intentions

“…Similarly, among student participants who exercised, negative body image was associated with exercising more (Brudzynski & Ebben, 2010). In addition, Beeken, Mahdi, Johnson, and Meisel (2018) found that although both younger and older adults were motivated to prevent weight gain due to concerns over their appearance, only older adults were also motivated by avoiding weight gain‐related health consequences. Further, although some cross‐sectional research suggests that body image impacts health behaviour (Fountoulakis & Grogan, 2014), it may actually be that health behaviour affects body image (Silva et al, 2014).…”