Comparison of Yukon Women by Weight Loss Effort and Body Mass Index: Self-reported Nutrition and Exercise Practices and Beliefs and Self-rated Health.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of weight loss efforts among women in the Yukon Territory and to assess relationships between weight loss effort (not trying/trying to lose weight) or weight status and self-reported nutrition and exercise practices and self-rated health. Data were obtained from 711 nonpregnant, noninstitutionalized women aged >15 y participating in the Yukon Health Promotion Survey. Over 50% of women were trying to lose weight at the time of the survey. These women were more likely to believe they ate well enough to maintain health, to report following certain recommended nutrition practices and to feel they didn't exercise as much as they needed. Self-rated mental and emotional health and physical health, however, were lower than among women not trying to lose weight. Overweight (Body Mass Index (BMI) >27) and normal weight (BMI 20-25) women reported similar nutrition practices and beliefs, whereas underweight women (BMI <20) were less likely to report following certain recommended nutrition practices or to believe they ate well enough to maintain health. Overweight women reported lower overall quality of life, physical health and social relationships than women with BMI = 25. These results suggest that weight loss should not be emphasized as the primary benefit of sound nutrition and that dietitians should reinforce that eating well and being active are important to everyone, regardless of weight.
Guillen Cabrera
EILEEN O.
EO
RDN, Food and Nutrition Services, Vancouver Hospital, Vancouver, BC.
Barr
SUSAN I.
SI