Relationship Between Perceptions of Obesity Causes and Weight Loss Expectations Among Adults

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2019 Jan;51(1):86-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2018.08.015. Epub 2018 Oct 11.

Abstract

Objective: To examine relationships between the demographic characteristics of subjects with obesity seeking pharmaceutical-assisted weight loss and their weight loss expectations and perceptions of the causes of their obesity.

Methods: A total of 225 adults with obesity completed an obesity perceptions questionnaire (OPQ), which included 4 attribution subscales: biological, psychological, environmental, and lifestyle. Relations were analyzed among OPQ subscales, subject characteristics, and self-perceived ideal 12-month weight loss.

Results: Subjects desired to lose 26.4% (SD, 7.7%) of their body weight (ideal weight loss). Ideal weight loss correlated positively with the OPQ biological subscale (P = .008), body mass index (P < .001), female sex (P < .001), and past weight loss attempts (P < .001). Cronbach α was good (>.70) only for the psychological subscale. White race (P = .02), married status (P = .01), and high school or higher education (P = .02) were negatively correlated with ideal weight loss.

Conclusions and implications: When designing interventions for preventing and treating obesity, patient perceptions should be considered.

Keywords: beliefs; expectations; obesity; perceptions; weight loss.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Obesity* / epidemiology
  • Obesity* / psychology
  • Weight Loss*