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Zelenytė V, Valius L, Domeikienė A, Gudaitytė R, Endzinas Ž, Šumskas L, Maleckas A. Body size perception, knowledge about obesity and factors associated with lifestyle change among patients, health care professionals and public health experts. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:37. [PMID: 33588766 PMCID: PMC7885487 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01383-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background The attitudes towards obesity may have an important role on healthier behavior. The goal of the present study was to explore the attitudes towards obesity and to investigate how these attitudes were associated with lifestyle-changing behavior among the patients attending primary care centers, health care professionals and public health experts. Methods This cross-sectional survey study was performed in 10 primary care offices in different regions in Lithuania and in 2 public health institutions. Nine hundred thirty-four patients, 97 nurses, 65 physicians and 30 public health experts have filled the questionnaire about attitudes towards obesity and presented data about lifestyle-changing activities during last 12 months. The attitudes were compared between different respondent groups and factors associated with healthier behaviors were analyzed among overweight/obese individuals in our study population. Results Participants failed to visually recognize correct figure corresponding to male and female with obesity. Majority of respondents’ perceived obesity as a risk factor for heart diseases and diabetes but had less knowledge about other diseases associated with weight. About one third of respondents changed their lifestyle during last 12 months. Overweight individuals with age < 45 years (OR 1.64, 1.06–2.55; p = 0.025) were more likely and those who overestimated current weight (OR 0.44, 0.20–0.96; p = 0.036) less likely to change their lifestyle. Disappointment with their current weight (OR 2.57, 1.36–4.84; p = 0.003) was associated with healthier behavior among participants with obesity. Conclusion Participants had similar body size perception and knowledge about obesity. Younger age had significant association with lifestyle changing behavior among overweight individuals and disappointment with current weight among obese participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginija Zelenytė
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickevičiaus st. 9, LT-44307, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Leonas Valius
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickevičiaus st. 9, LT-44307, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Auksė Domeikienė
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickevičiaus st. 9, LT-44307, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Department of Family Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickevičiaus st. 9, LT-44307, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rita Gudaitytė
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickevičiaus st. 9, LT-44307, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Žilvinas Endzinas
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickevičiaus st. 9, LT-44307, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Linas Šumskas
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickevičiaus st. 9, LT-44307, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Institute of Health Research, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Almantas Maleckas
- Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickevičiaus st. 9, LT-44307, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Department of Gastrosurgical Research and Education, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Bla Straket 5, SE-41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Obesity-related knowledge and body mass index: a national survey in Portugal. Eat Weight Disord 2020; 25:1437-1446. [PMID: 31541427 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00782-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Obesity-related knowledge predicts weight control but previous studies only comprise individuals with excessive weight and assess very specific aspects of knowledge. This study aims to evaluate several domains of obesity-related knowledge according to the body mass index (BMI) in a representative sample of Portuguese-speaking dwellers in mainland Portugal. METHODS A sample of 1624 participants aged 16-79 years was analyzed. Eighteen questions comprising eight obesity domains were asked: prevalence, physical activity, number of calories, adiposity location, causes, diagnosis, treatment and consequences; each one was dichotomized into correct/incorrect knowledge. RESULTS The majority of Portuguese-speaking dwellers recognized the benefits of physical activity, the risks of abdominal obesity and most consequences of excessive weight, independently of their BMI. However, knowledge gaps were identified regarding prevalence, calories and BMI diagnosis. BMI influenced specific obesity-related knowledge: participants with a normal BMI knew the BMI formula more often, identified 22 as normal BMI more frequently and had the highest proportion of correct knowledge regarding the number of calories an adult should eat; obese individuals identified natural products as not being good treatments for obesity more often. After adjusting for age, sex and educational level, obese individuals identified natural products and supplements as not being good obesity treatments more often. CONCLUSIONS Obesity-related knowledge gaps (prevalence, calories, and diagnosis) were identified among Portuguese adults. Moreover, correct knowledge does not necessarily translate into a healthier BMI. Besides the dissemination of accurate information, public health interventions should focus on the transfer of knowledge to behaviors that will guarantee better weight management. EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE RANKINGS Level V: Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.
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Measured and Perceived Body Weight Status of Women in the Peruvian Amazon. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56080375. [PMID: 32722641 PMCID: PMC7466240 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56080375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: The prevalence of obesity among adults has reached epidemic proportions in Latin America, placing large demands on health care systems. Research suggests cultural differences in body weight perceptions may be a barrier during the implementation of weight-loss strategies. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of weight misperception in Peruvian women and evaluate contributing factors. Materials and Methods: A total of 236 women were recruited in San Martín, northern Peru. Participants' socio-demographic characteristics and attitudes towards their weight and health were collected. Self-perception of weight status was assessed with a 10-point scale and compared with measured body mass index (BMI). Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with underestimation of weight status. Results: A total of 65.2% of women were classified as overweight/obese by BMI, but only 15.2% perceived themselves so. A total of 70.4% of women underestimated their weight status and no incidence of overestimation was reported. Overweight and obese women were more likely to underestimate their weight status than normal weight women (OR: 34.24, 95%CI: 11.55-101.45; OR: 42.06, 95%CI: 11.17-158.32, respectively). Women who underestimated weight status felt more comfortable with their weight (59.3% vs. 20.6, p < 0.001) and agreed a large stomach is a sign of good health (40.7% vs. 5.9%, p < 0.001) versus those who correctly estimated. Conclusions: Underestimation of weigh status was highly prevalent and associated with unhealthy beliefs. Future public health programs must be culturally sensitive and tailored to specific groups within the population.
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Alonso-Castro AJ, Ruiz-Padilla AJ, Ramírez-Morales MA, Alcocer-García SG, Ruiz-Noa Y, Ibarra-Reynoso LDR, Solorio-Alvarado CR, Zapata-Morales JR, Mendoza-Macías CL, Deveze-Álvarez MA, Alba-Betancourt C. Self-treatment with herbal products for weight-loss among overweight and obese subjects from central Mexico. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 234:21-26. [PMID: 30641103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mexico ranks second in the world for obesity prevalence. In Mexico, obese and overweight subjects commonly seek alternative treatments for weight-loss, including the use of herbal products. AIM OF THE STUDY The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication with herbal products for weight-loss among overweight and obese subjects residing in four states (Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, State of Mexico, and Mexico City) from central Mexico. In addition, the factors related to self-medication among patients were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1404 overweight and obese subjects were interviewed. A chi-square test examined associations between socio-demographic and socio-economic information, and self-medication with herbal products for weight-loss. RESULTS The prevalence of self-medication was 42.9% among the participants who used herbal products for weight-loss. The female gender was the strongest factor (OR: 2.20 (1.75-2.77) associated with self-medication for weight-loss, followed by a low educational level (elementary and middle school) [OR: 1.80 (1.31-2.44)], and a middle-socioeconomic status [OR: 1.75 (1.21-2.52)]. The main herbal products used for weight-loss were based on: i) green tea, Camellia sinensis (12.7% of frequency), ii) aceitilla, Bidens odorata (6.6%), and iii) soybean, Glycine max (5.3%). In addition, 65% of the respondents considered herbal products ineffective for weight-loss after 6 months of use. CONCLUSION Due to the high incidence of overweight and obesity in Mexico, there is a high prevalence (42.9%) of self-medication using natural products for weight-loss, particularly in women from Central Mexico. This study indicates the important need to educate patients about the harmful effects of consuming these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Josabad Alonso-Castro
- Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
| | - Alan Joel Ruiz-Padilla
- Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | | | - Yeniley Ruiz-Noa
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, División de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guanajuato, León, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | | | - Juan Ramón Zapata-Morales
- Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Martha Alicia Deveze-Álvarez
- Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Clara Alba-Betancourt
- Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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DiBonaventura MD, Meincke H, Le Lay A, Fournier J, Bakker E, Ehrenreich A. Obesity in Mexico: prevalence, comorbidities, associations with patient outcomes, and treatment experiences. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2018; 11:1-10. [PMID: 29317841 PMCID: PMC5743111 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s129247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to investigate obesity and its concomitant effects including the prevalence of comorbidities, its association with patient-reported outcomes and costs, and weight loss strategies in a sample of Mexican adults. METHODS Mexican adults (N=2,511) were recruited from a combination of Internet panels and street intercepts using a random-stratified sampling framework, with strata defined by age and sex, so that they represent the population. Participants responded to a survey consisting of a range of topics including sociodemographics, health history, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, health care resource use, and weight loss. RESULTS The sample consisted of 50.6% male with a mean age of 40.7 years (SD=14.5); 38.3% were overweight, and 24.4% were obese. Increasing body mass index (BMI) was associated with increased rates of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and hypertension, poorer HRQoL, and decreased work productivity. Of the total number of respondents, 62.2% reported taking steps to lose weight with 27.6% and 17.1% having used an over-the-counter/herbal product and a prescription medication, respectively. Treatment discontinuation rates were high. CONCLUSION Findings indicated that 62% of participants reported, at least, being overweight and that they were experiencing the deleterious effects associated with higher BMI despite the desire to lose weight. Given the rates of obesity, and its impact on humanistic and societal outcomes, improved education, prevention, and management could provide significant benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henrik Meincke
- Novo Nordisk, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: Henrik Meincke, Novo Nordisk A/S, Vandtårnsvej 114DK-2860 Søborg Denmark, Tel: +45 30798654, Email
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Thapa JR, Lyford C, McCool B, Pence B, McCool A, Belasco E. Improving Cancer Risk Awareness Including Obesity as a Risk Factor for Cancer in a Small U.S. Community. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2017; 32:827-835. [PMID: 27286870 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-016-1060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a risk for certain types of cancer; however, awareness of obesity as a risk factor for cancer is low. This study evaluated increases in cancer risk awareness, including obesity as a risk factor for cancer, from a quasi-experimental intervention that provided educational materials and community reinforcement for healthy living. The study uses data on participant's awareness of cancer risk factors along with sociodemographic variables collected from in-person surveys (N = 863) at baseline (June 2011) and post intervention (June 2012). The average awareness that overweight and obesity are risk factors for cancer was low (35 %) compared to chewing tobacco (92 %), using tanning bed (73 %), and sunburn (97 %) at baseline. The intervention significantly increased participants' awareness that overweight and obesity are risk factors for cancer. Based on regression analysis, the unadjusted intervention effect on cancer risk awareness was significant: 0.392 ± 0.165 (p value = 0.020) for matched participants and 0.282 ± 0.125 (p value = 0.024) for community participants. The adjusted intervention effect was significant in the matched participants (0.528 ± 0.189, p value = 0.006). Education, income, gender, and age had a significant impact on cancer risk awareness for the community participants. The results show that community intervention that incorporates community reinforcement can have the desired effect regardless of differences at participant level. Such interventions could be used to prevent cancer risk in communities that are at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani R Thapa
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, 100 Foster Rd., Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Conrad Lyford
- Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Barent McCool
- Restaurant Hotel and Institutional Management, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Barbara Pence
- Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Audrey McCool
- University of Nevada Las Vegas, College of Hotel Administration, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Eric Belasco
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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Visscher TL, Lakerveld J, Olsen N, Küpers L, Ramalho S, Keaver L, Brei C, Bjune JI, Ezquerro S, Yumuk V. Perceived Health Status: Is Obesity Perceived as a Risk Factor and Disease? Obes Facts 2017; 10:52-60. [PMID: 28278496 PMCID: PMC5644964 DOI: 10.1159/000457958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One might expect that a perception of obesity being a risk factor and disease, contributes to effective obesity prevention and management strategies. However, obesity rates continue to increase worldwide. The question arises whether obesity is truly perceived as a risk factor and a disease. This paper aims at describing perception of obesity as risk factor and disease among individuals seeking care, individuals not seeking care, the society, and different professionals having a role in the field of obesity. The paper is a reflection of the lecture on the topic that was given at the EASO's New Investigators United's Summer School 2016 in Portugal and the discussion with the new investigators and other senior speakers. Individual obese patients seeking help are very much aware of obesity being a risk factor and disease, but perceptions regarding obesity seem to be flawed among those who do not seek help for obesity. Also, misperceptions regarding obesity play a role at different levels, including society, different political levels, the fields of health care and social work, prevention organizations, and the food and marketing industry. The food and marketing industry has an enormous role in changing perceptions by the society and policy makers. Obesity rates will continue to increase as long as individuals, the society, and professionals at different levels have false interpretations of the severity of obesity. Severe action is needed against those who are playing a role in maintaining false perceptions of obesity as a risk factor and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy L.S. Visscher
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- Research Centre for Healthy Cities, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, The Netherlands, Istanbul, Turkey
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, Patient Council and Prevention and Public Health Taskforce, Founding Chair New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Jeroen Lakerveld
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nanna Olsen
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies at the Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, the Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Leanne Küpers
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sofia Ramalho
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Laura Keaver
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo, Ireland, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Christina Brei
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- Else Körner-Fresenius-Center for Nutritional Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Jan-Inge Bjune
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- Hormone Laboratory, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Clinical Science K2 and KG Jebsen Center for Diabetes Research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Silvia Ezquerro
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, CIBEROBN, Pamplona, Spain, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Volkan Yumuk
- European Association for the Study of Obesity, New Investigators United, London, UK, Istanbul, Turkey
- Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Istanbul, Turkey
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Knowledge of appropriate foods and beverages needed for weight loss and diet of patients in an Obesity Clinic. Eur J Clin Nutr 2014; 69:68-72. [PMID: 24896012 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Knowledge does not automatically translate into behaviour change. This study examined the relationship between knowledge of appropriate foods and beverages needed for weight loss and the diet of patients seeking weight management. SUBJECTS/METHODS A cross-sectional study of 104 consecutive first-time patients (55 women and 49 men) seeking weight management, with a mean age of 37.3 ± 11.8 years and a BMI of 44.9 ± 9.4 kg/m(2), was carried out; 67.3% of these patients had a BMI of 40 kg/m(2) or greater. Patients were told to design a detailed weight-loss diet that they would recommend to a person with the same characteristics (recommended diet or RD) as themselves and asked whether the RD was similar to their own. Consumed diet (CD) was assessed by a different dietitian through a 24-h diet recall. Estimated energy requirement (EER), energy content of RD and CD and number of fruit, vegetable, cereal and sweetened-beverage portions were calculated. Statistical differences were assessed through the Pearson's correlation and the Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests. RESULTS RD and CD were 1104 ± 243 and 1976 ± 708 kcal for women and 1254 ± 287 and 2743 ± 1244 kcal for men, with statistical differences for both genders (P<0.001). Energy content of the RD was lower than the EER in men and women (P<0.001); CD was lower than the EER in women (P=0.033). Number of fruit/vegetable portions was lower in CD than in the RD in women (P<0.001), whereas cereal and sweetened-beverage portions were higher in CD than in the RD in both genders (P<0.001). RD was not followed by 46.1% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with obesity seeking care have knowledge of the appropriate dietary strategies needed for weight loss, but do not translate it into practice. Treatment approaches should include tools that help patients to implement their nutrition knowledge.
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