Weight dissatisfaction and weight loss attempts among Canadian adults. Canadian Heart Health Surveys Research Group

To describe the pattern of weight dissatisfaction and weight loss attempts among Canadian adults and the reasons for and methods of weight loss among those trying to lose weight.

Population-based, cross-sectional surveys.

Ten Canadian provinces between 1986 and 1992.

A probability sample of 29,855 men and women aged 18 to 74 years was selected using provincial health insurance registration files; this paper describes the subsample of 19,841 (66%) participants from whom anthropometric data were collected.

Discrepancy between actual and desired body mass index (BMI); attempts to lose weight; reasons for losing weight; methods of weight loss used.

Whether their weight was in the acceptable range (BMI 20-24 kg/m2) or at a level of increasing risk (BMI > or = 27 kg/m2), women were more likely than men to wish they weighed less and to be trying to lose weight; almost two-thirds of women but less than half the men with BMI > or = 27 kg/m2 were trying to lose weight. Even among those with BMI 20-24 kg/m2, 32% of women (v. 10% of men) were trying to reduce their weight. Weight dissatisfaction and current and past weight loss attempts were all negatively associated with age among women, but were unrelated to age among men. People with higher ratios of waist to hip circumference (WHR), controlling for BMI, were no more likely to be trying to lose weight than those with lower WHR; in fact, for women with BMI 27-29 kg/m2, WHR was negatively associated with prevalence of weight loss attempts. The presence of diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia was also unrelated to weight loss attempts; regular smokers and sedentary people were less likely to report trying to lose weight, controlling for BMI. Among those currently trying to lose weight, the most commonly mentioned reason was to improve general health, followed by increasing attractiveness. Overall, the most frequently mentioned method of weight loss was dieting, followed by exercise.

Substantial numbers of men whose BMI places them at increased health risk appear to be content with their weight and are not attempting to reduce it. Conversely, women, especially the young and middle-aged, are likely to consider themselves above their desired weight and to be trying to lose weight, even when their weight is within acceptable limits. This reinforces the need to consider differences between men and women in efforts to promote and support healthy weights among Canadians.