title: [The estimation of weight-loss programmes and using of slimming preparations among young women].
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the range of weight-loss programmes and behaviours associated with the use of slimming supplements observed among young women. The study in the form of questionnaire survey was carried out among 300 female students of the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin during late autumn 2009. Analysis of the responses revealed that most of the women had tried to lose weight ever during their lives, many of them within the past six months. The respondents undertook weight-loss programmes regardless of their BMI, which may imply a disturbed perception of one's own body. In order to reduce body weight, the women applied various methods, usually modified diet and use slimming preparations. Among the preparations, the women most frequently mentioned appetite inhibitors or fat burning and thermogenesis enhancers. During the use of slimming enhancers, many women also changed their dietary patterns; such alterations were not necessarily nutritionally correct, due to either lack of knowledge on the principles of proper nutrition (which apply also during a weight-loss action) or due to abandoning these rules when applying the slimming aids. The observed dietary behaviours of the women may underlie serious nutrition-related health problems when they reach their middle age, but can also result in nutritional disorders in the near future.
authors.affiliation: Wydział Nauk o Zywności i Rybactwa, Zachodniopomorski Uniwersytet Technologiczny w Szczecinie. Joanna.Sadowska@zut.edu.pl
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sadowska
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Szuber
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011044:Poland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult