Weight-loss practices among university students in Mexico.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of weight-loss practices among university students from Tlaxcala, Mexico.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study of 2,651 university students was conducted. Logistic regression tests were used to estimate the probability of students trying to lose weight and successfully achieving weight loss.


RESULTS
Nearly 40% of students attempted to lose weight, though only about 7% lost more than 10% of their body weight and maintained this weight loss during the time of the study. The methods used most were exercise and dieting, and those who dieted were more successful at losing weight.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalence of weight-loss attempts and the poor outcomes with these weight-loss methods among this sample of university students is a public health concern. Universities should provide students with healthy weight-control approaches, which include offering information about healthier lifestyles, access to healthy food and opportunities to be physically active.
Méndez-Hernández
Pablo
P
Equipe MA2D, Laboratoire ERIC, Université Lyon 1 et Lyon 2, Lyon, France. pmendezh@hotmail.com
Dosamantes-Carrasco
Darina
D
Lamure
Michel
M
López-Loyo
Perla
P
Hernández-Palafox
Corín
C
Pineda-Pérez
Dayana
D
Flores
Yvonne
Y
Salmerón
Jorge
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult