title: Weight-loss strategies used by baby boomer men: a mixed methods approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Baby Boomer men (those born in 1946-1964) are becoming obese at an earlier age compared to previous generations. The present study aimed to identify weight-loss strategies used by Baby Boomer men, to determine whether those strategies varied by weight status and to explore their dieting experiences.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a cross-sectional survey of 211 men and 20 in-depth interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Men had a mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) of 29.35 (5.07) kg m(-2), with 82% being overweight or obese. Fifty-six percent were currently trying to lose weight. Healthy weight-loss strategies included reducing portions, increasing physical activity, cutting back on fried foods, cutting back on sweets, cutting back on alcohol, using meal replacement drinks/bars and joining a weight-loss programme. Unhealthy strategies included skipping meals and using over-the-counter 'diet pills'. Men who reduced portions, skipped meals, cut back on sweets, joined a weight-loss programme and used diet pills had significantly higher BMIs than men who said they did not (P < 0.05 for all). Interviews revealed that older men struggle to lose weight, 'I've been struggling for the last 2-3 years'. 'The last time I really tried to lose weight I stayed on the diet for just a day or two'. Wives were considered essential to their weight management success.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Men used a do-it-yourself weight-loss approach using both healthy and unhealthy strategies. Obese men were more likely to use unhealthy practices than overweight men.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: D C S
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: James
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Sciences, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA.
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Wirth
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Harville
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Efunbumi
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*
keywords: men's health; weight-loss strategies