Desired Body Weight and Dieting Behavior: Findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994

Date

2003-08

Authors

Sunbury, Tenaya

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Abstract

<p>Most body image surveys rely on convenience sampling and self-reported height and weight. This cross-sectional data is a subset of the 1988 - 1994 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) public use data files which are available from the National Center for Health Statistics. NHANES is a population-based survey of the U.S. population in which weight and height are measured. Adult questionnaire and medical examination information were merged to analyze the probability of someone rating their weight goals. The study sample consisted of 9,116 people who wanted to weigh less, 6,075 who wanted to weigh the same and 1,297 people who wanted to weigh more. The greatest predictor of someone wanting to weigh less was how they rated their 2652.07). A lesser factor was a person’s measured body mass index (adjusted OR = 25.99, 95% Cl = 16.47-41.01).</p> <p>NHANES III was also analyzed to determine who had attempted weight loss within the last year. The study sample consisted of 10,519 adults who had attempted to lose weight and 5,969 people who had made no such attempt. Odds were highest for persons who wanted to weigh less, (adjusted OR = 12.55, 95% Cl = 6.02 - 26.13) and less for Mexican-Americans (adjusted OR = 0.84, 95% Cl = 0.74 - 0.97) Mexican-Americans were less likely to attempt weight loss even though there was an indication by BMI that it might be appropriate for them to try to lose weight. This study shows that subgroups in this country who are already overweight or obese had made no such attempt at weight loss and felt they wanted to weigh the same or more.</p>

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Keywords

Body image, Dieting, Nutrition surveys

Citation

Sunbury, T. (2003). <i>Desired body weight and dieting behavior: Findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994</i> (Unpublished thesis). Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

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