Weight-loss strategies of South African female university students and comparison of weight management-related characteristics between dieters and non-dieters
Abstract Background Female university students are at risk for weight gain and use of inappropriate weight-loss strategies. By gaining a greater understanding of the weight-loss strategies used by and weight management related characteristics of these students, effective weight management interventi...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2016-09-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-016-3576-x |
| _version_ | 1818848525807517696 |
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| author | Marjanne Senekal Gabrielle L. Lasker Lindsay van Velden Ria Laubscher Norman J. Temple |
| author_facet | Marjanne Senekal Gabrielle L. Lasker Lindsay van Velden Ria Laubscher Norman J. Temple |
| author_sort | Marjanne Senekal |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Female university students are at risk for weight gain and use of inappropriate weight-loss strategies. By gaining a greater understanding of the weight-loss strategies used by and weight management related characteristics of these students, effective weight management interventions for this vulnerable group can be developed. Methods Two hundred and fifty female students from South Africa universities, aged 18–25 years, participated in this cross-sectional study; 162 attempted weight loss during the year preceding the study (dieters) and 88 were non-dieters. Weight and height were measured and BMI (kg/m2) computed. A self-administered questionnaire was used to record all other variables. Weight loss strategies were described for dieters and compared between BMI groups within the dieters group. Weight management related characteristics were compared between dieters and non-dieters. Statistical tests included Pearson Chi-square test, independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test (depending on distribution of the data). Predictors for a higher BMI and being overweight/obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) were identified using regression models. Results Healthy weight-loss strategies included increased exercise and fruit/vegetable intake and decreased intake of sugar and fat containing items; unhealthy methods included eating little food and skipping meals; and extreme weight loss strategies included laxatives and vomiting. The most commonly used weight-loss product was Herbex. Dieters were characterized by a higher BMI, overestimation of their weight (especially normal weight students), dissatisfaction with weight and select body parts, higher intake of breakfast and healthy foods, lower intake of unhealthy foods, higher levels of vigorous physical activity, higher use of select informal weight-loss information sources and experiencing more pressure to lose weight from mothers, siblings and friends. Predictors of higher BMI and/or increased risk for BMI ≥25 included weight-loss attempt during the past year, race, dissatisfaction with waist, perception of currently being “chubby,” and higher frequencies of intake of a snack and fatty foods. Conclusion Attempting weight-loss is common among female students and predicts BMI. Healthy (mainly), unhealthy and extreme weight loss methods are used. Dieters are characterized by a less realistic body image, lower body satisfaction, higher pressure to lose weight, use of informal weight-management information and a healthier life-style. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-19T06:18:44Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-0045b65ffc3f42309a6f5e778bba46aa |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-19T06:18:44Z |
| publishDate | 2016-09-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj.art-0045b65ffc3f42309a6f5e778bba46aa2022-12-21T20:32:47ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582016-09-0116111210.1186/s12889-016-3576-xWeight-loss strategies of South African female university students and comparison of weight management-related characteristics between dieters and non-dietersMarjanne Senekal0Gabrielle L. Lasker1Lindsay van Velden2Ria Laubscher3Norman J. Temple4Division of Human Nutrition, University of Cape TownDivision of Human Nutrition, University of Cape TownDivision of Human Nutrition, University of Cape TownBiostatistics Unit, Medical Research CouncilCentre for Science, Athabasca UniversityAbstract Background Female university students are at risk for weight gain and use of inappropriate weight-loss strategies. By gaining a greater understanding of the weight-loss strategies used by and weight management related characteristics of these students, effective weight management interventions for this vulnerable group can be developed. Methods Two hundred and fifty female students from South Africa universities, aged 18–25 years, participated in this cross-sectional study; 162 attempted weight loss during the year preceding the study (dieters) and 88 were non-dieters. Weight and height were measured and BMI (kg/m2) computed. A self-administered questionnaire was used to record all other variables. Weight loss strategies were described for dieters and compared between BMI groups within the dieters group. Weight management related characteristics were compared between dieters and non-dieters. Statistical tests included Pearson Chi-square test, independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test (depending on distribution of the data). Predictors for a higher BMI and being overweight/obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) were identified using regression models. Results Healthy weight-loss strategies included increased exercise and fruit/vegetable intake and decreased intake of sugar and fat containing items; unhealthy methods included eating little food and skipping meals; and extreme weight loss strategies included laxatives and vomiting. The most commonly used weight-loss product was Herbex. Dieters were characterized by a higher BMI, overestimation of their weight (especially normal weight students), dissatisfaction with weight and select body parts, higher intake of breakfast and healthy foods, lower intake of unhealthy foods, higher levels of vigorous physical activity, higher use of select informal weight-loss information sources and experiencing more pressure to lose weight from mothers, siblings and friends. Predictors of higher BMI and/or increased risk for BMI ≥25 included weight-loss attempt during the past year, race, dissatisfaction with waist, perception of currently being “chubby,” and higher frequencies of intake of a snack and fatty foods. Conclusion Attempting weight-loss is common among female students and predicts BMI. Healthy (mainly), unhealthy and extreme weight loss methods are used. Dieters are characterized by a less realistic body image, lower body satisfaction, higher pressure to lose weight, use of informal weight-management information and a healthier life-style.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-016-3576-xWeight-loss strategiesWeight-loss pressureWeight managementBMI predictorsFemale students |
| spellingShingle | Marjanne Senekal Gabrielle L. Lasker Lindsay van Velden Ria Laubscher Norman J. Temple Weight-loss strategies of South African female university students and comparison of weight management-related characteristics between dieters and non-dieters BMC Public Health Weight-loss strategies Weight-loss pressure Weight management BMI predictors Female students |
| title | Weight-loss strategies of South African female university students and comparison of weight management-related characteristics between dieters and non-dieters |
| title_full | Weight-loss strategies of South African female university students and comparison of weight management-related characteristics between dieters and non-dieters |
| title_fullStr | Weight-loss strategies of South African female university students and comparison of weight management-related characteristics between dieters and non-dieters |
| title_full_unstemmed | Weight-loss strategies of South African female university students and comparison of weight management-related characteristics between dieters and non-dieters |
| title_short | Weight-loss strategies of South African female university students and comparison of weight management-related characteristics between dieters and non-dieters |
| title_sort | weight loss strategies of south african female university students and comparison of weight management related characteristics between dieters and non dieters |
| topic | Weight-loss strategies Weight-loss pressure Weight management BMI predictors Female students |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-016-3576-x |
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