Interest in Weight Loss Methods Among Adults and Its Predictors: Sociodemographic Factors, Anthropometric Parameters, and Physical Activity

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Institute of Management, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland

2 Institute of Economic Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Wrocław, Poland

3 Institute of International Economic Policy, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland

4 Department of Physical Education and Lifelong Sports, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland

Abstract

Background 
The study aims to determine adults’ interest in weight loss methods and their predictors such as anthropometric parameters, physical activity, and sociodemographic factors.
 
Methods 
A two-step procedure was adopted. First, anthropometric parameters of 1130 Polish adults were taken, and the body mass index (BMI), the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and the body fat (BF) percentage were calculated. Next, the participants completed a questionnaire consisting of questions about their interest in different weight loss methods, questions about physical activity, and metric questions. Interest in six arbitrarily selected weight loss methods was measured using a five-point Likert scale. For analysis ordinal logistic regression and omnibus likelihood ratio tests were used.
 
Results 
The results proved different predictors of adults’ interest in weight loss methods (measured on an ordinal scale). More interest in physical activity and diets as methods of weight loss is observed in underweight individuals (compared to normal body weight status), older, with better economic situation, and higher level of physical activity individuals. In the case of bariatric surgery and liposuction, more interest in this weight loss methods are observed in overweight (compared to normal body weight status), economically well-off participants, and in women (compared to men). More interest of liposuction as a weight loss method is observed in overweight. Interest in dietary supplements to support weight loss (DSSWL) is more in women (compared to men), higher WHR, better economic situation, higher level of education and older individuals. More interest in weight loss drugs is observed in women (compared to men) and economically well-off people.
 
Conclusion 
The key predictors of interest in weight loss methods are body weight status, gender, and economic situation. These vary in importance depending on the type of weight loss method. Healthcare providers should recommend various weight-management strategies, having regard for the level of interest in weight loss methods and their predictors. 

Keywords

References

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International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 14 May 2025

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  • Received Date: 12 March 2024
  • Revised Date: 18 February 2025
  • Accepted Date: 11 May 2025
  • First Published Date: 14 May 2025

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