Disparities by ethnicity and socioeconomic status in the use of weight loss treatments.
BACKGROUND
Prior research suggests that ethnic minorities and individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES) may be more likely to attempt weight loss using unproven methods.


METHODS
Data were from a national, random-digit-dial telephone survey of weight loss practices. Seven modalities of weight loss were examined. Multivariable analysis controlled for clinical and sociodemographic variables (including race/ethnicity, SES, and body mass index), as well as self-perception of weight and weight loss attitudes.


RESULTS
In multivariable analysis, African Americans (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.05-2.78; p =.03) and Latinos (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.11-2.60; p = .016) were more likely than Caucasians to report use of over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss supplements. African Americans (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.21-0.71; p = .002) and Latinos (OR, 0.56; CI, 0.33-0.97; p = .038) also were less likely than Caucasians to report use of commercial weight loss programs. Higher-SES individuals were more likely than low-SES persons to report self-directed attempts at weight loss (OR, 1.39; CI, 1.00-1.93; p = .05) and commercial programs (OR, 2.12; CI, 1.51-2.97; p < .001) and less likely to report use of OTC supplements (OR, 0.64; CI, 0.47-0.88]; p = .006). African Americans were more likely than Caucasians to report use of medically supervised programs (OR, 1.74; CI, 1.06-2.86; p = .028).


CONCLUSIONS
With the exception of medically supervised programs, ethnic minorities and low-SES individuals are generally more likely to report use of unproven methods for weight loss and less likely to report use of potentially beneficial treatments. These findings should be explored in more detail. Use of proven treatments for weight management should be encouraged.
Tsai
Adam Gilden
AG
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. adam.tsai@ucdenver.edu
Wadden
Thomas A
TA
Pillitteri
Janine L
JL
Sembower
Mark A
MA
Gerlach
Karen K
KK
Kyle
Theodore K
TK
Burroughs
Valentine J
VJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012923:Social Class; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult