Weight-loss practices and asthma: findings from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system.
OBJECTIVE
To describe weight-control practices and receipt of weight-loss advice among obese people with asthma.


METHODS
We analyzed data from the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.


RESULTS
Among 13953 participants with current asthma, 27.3% had a body mass index of >or=30 kg/m2. Overall, 48.1% of participants with asthma reported trying to lose weight (64.1% among overweight or obese participants and 72.9% among obese participants). Among participants with asthma who were trying to lose or maintain weight, 74.7% reported trying to reduce their energy and/or fat intake, and 57.8% reported using physical activity. Approximately 29.7% were using the recommended combination of energy and/or fat intake reduction and physical activity of >or=150 min/wk. During the 12 months before the interview, 16.2% of overweight and 44.9% of obese participants with asthma reported receiving advice to lose weight. Among obese participants receiving weight-loss advice, 82.9% reported trying to lose weight compared to 63.8% of participants who did not receive such advice.


CONCLUSIONS
Health professionals can play an important role in educating their patients with asthma about the importance of weight control and assisting their overweight and obese patients in setting appropriate weight goals and helping them achieve those goals.
Ford
Earl S
ES
Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. esf2@cdc.gov
Mannino
David M
DM
Redd
Stephen C
SC
Mokdad
Ali H
AH
Galuska
Deborah A
DA
Serdula
Mary K
MK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004522:Educational Status; D002149:Energy Intake; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D012907:Smoking; D014481:United States; D015431:Weight Loss
D004041:Dietary Fats