Background
Little is known about weight control strategies associated with successful weight
loss among obese U.S. adults in the general population.
Purpose
To identify strategies associated with losing at least 5% and 10% of body weight.
Methods
Multivariable analysis of data from obese adult (BMI ≥30) participants in the 2001–2006
NHANES to identify strategies associated with losing ≥5% and ≥10% of body weight (conducted
in 2009–2011).
Results
Of 4021 obese adults, 2523 (63%) reported trying to lose weight in the previous year.
Among those attempting weight loss, 1026 (40%) lost ≥5% and 510 (20%) lost ≥10% weight.
After adjustment for potential confounders, strategies associated with losing ≥5%
weight included eating less fat (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.14, 1.75); exercising more (OR=1.29,
95% CI=1.05, 1.60); and using prescription weight loss medications (OR=1.77, 95% CI=1.00,
3.13). Eating less fat (OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.04, 1.79); exercising more (OR=1.36, 95%
CI=1.12, 1.65); and using prescription weight loss medications (OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.09,
3.86) were also associated with losing ≥10% weight, as was joining commercial weight
loss programs (OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.00, 2.96). Adults eating diet products were less
likely to achieve 10% weight loss (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.31, 0.72). Liquid diets, nonprescription
diet pills, and popular diets had no association with successful weight loss.
Conclusions
A substantial proportion of obese U.S. adults who attempted to lose weight reported
weight loss, at least in the short term. Obese adults were more likely to report achieving
meaningful weight loss if they ate less fat, exercised more, used prescription weight
loss medications, or participated in commercial weight loss programs.
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© 2012 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.