title: Lower weight loss expectations and healthier eating attitudes in older overweight and obese women attempting weight loss.
abstract: Weight loss outcomes in overweight and obese individuals may be influenced by individual weight loss expectations (WLEs). Research on these phenomena in older women is lacking. This cross-sectional study compared groups of younger and older women on their WLEs and related attitudes (body dissatisfaction and disordered eating). Twenty-six younger (18-38 years) and 33 older (60-78 years) overweight and obese women were recruited from a weight loss clinic, prior to treatment. Disordered eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction were assessed using validated questionnaires and a pictorial figure-choice scale. Participants reported 10 WLEs categorized according to personal, lifestyle and social factors. Overall, women with a higher body mass index had greater WLEs. Older women reported lower WLEs than younger women (-14.5 kg vs. -22.4 kg) in all categories except past weight. Older women perceived that career success would necessitate the greatest level of weight loss (-18.5 kg), whereas younger women derived their greatest WLEs from mass media (-28.5 kg). Both older and younger groups perceived that their families would be supportive of the smallest amount of weight loss (-8.4 and -17.6 kg, respectively). The groups did not differ on body dissatisfaction, but younger women's disordered eating attitudes were significantly higher (p < .001). Older overweight and obese women have lower WLEs than younger women but experience similar levels of body dissatisfaction and healthier eating attitudes. The attitudinal constructs underlying these differences may be useful in clinical practice to tailor age-specific weight loss interventions.
authors: Institute for Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors: E H
authors: EH
authors: Evans
authors: Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK.
authors: L G
authors: LG
authors: Boothroyd
authors: Human Nutrition and Physiology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Muscariello
authors: Institute for Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors: B C M
authors: BC
authors: Stephan
authors: Human Nutrition and Physiology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Nasti
authors: Human Nutrition and Physiology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Colantuoni
authors: Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle on Tyne, UK.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Siervo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Ageing; body image; obesity; weight loss