title: Adults with greater weight satisfaction report more positive health behaviors and have better health status regardless of BMI.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prior studies suggest that weight satisfaction may preclude changes in behavior that lead to healthier weight among individuals who are overweight or obese.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To gain a better understanding of complex relationships between weight satisfaction, weight-related health behaviors, and health outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (ACLS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Large mixed-gender cohort of primarily white, middle-to-upper socioeconomic status (SES) adults with baseline examination between 1987 and 2002 (n = 19,003).
  
  
  METHODS
  Weight satisfaction, weight-related health behaviors, chronic health conditions, and clinical health indicators.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chi-square test, t-tests, and linear and multivariate logistic regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to men, women were more likely to be dieting (32% women; 18% men) and had higher weight dissatisfaction. Men and women with greater weight dissatisfaction reported more dieting, yo-yo dieting, and snacking and consuming fewer meals, being less active, and having to eat either more or less than desired to maintain weight regardless of weight status. Those who were overweight or obese and dissatisfied with their weight had the poorest health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Greater satisfaction with one's weight was associated with positive health behaviors and health outcomes in both men and women and across weight status groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. ceblake@sc.edu
authors.forename: Christine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Blake
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hébert
authors.forename: Duck-Chul
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Swann A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Steck
authors.forename: Xuemei
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Sui
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Kuk
authors.forename: Meghan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baruth
authors.forename: Steven N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Blair
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010549:Personal Satisfaction