Comparison of Weight Control Attempts among Middle-Aged and Older Women with Obesity: Findings Based on the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII-3)

Comparison of Weight Control Attempts among Middle-Aged and Older Women with Obesity: Findings Based on the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII-3)

We compared weight control attempts in middle-aged and older women with obesity via a cross-sectional study of 1,571 women aged ≥ 50 years based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among the participants, 57.7% were overweight or obese, and the obesity rate of participants in their 70s was the highest. While 71.7% of women had attempted to lose or maintain weight, the older age groups were less likely to attempt intentional weight control than the younger age groups. The prevalence of weight control attempts was significantly different amongst the age groups, with the lowest rate observed in the 70s group after adjusting for BMI, WC, and chronic diseases. In particular, 41% of participants in the 70s group with obesity did not attempt to manage their body weight. Among the participants who tried to maintain or lose weight, the most commonly practiced weight control strategy was reducing the size of meals. Compared to the 50s group, the 70s group was less likely to attempt weight control. While body image was the most significant indicator of weight control attempts in the 50s group, educational level was the key factor associated with weight control in the 70s group. Our findings reflect an active investment by older Korean women in body weight management and provide insight into policy efforts that may help women with obesity maintain a healthy body weight.

We compared weight control attempts in middle-aged and older women with obesity via a cross-sectional study of 1,571 women aged ≥ 50 years based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among the participants, 57.7% were overweight or obese, and the obesity rate of participants in their 70s was the highest. While 71.7% of women had attempted to lose or maintain weight, the older age groups were less likely to attempt intentional weight control than the younger age groups. The prevalence of weight control attempts was significantly different amongst the age groups, with the lowest rate observed in the 70s group after adjusting for BMI, WC, and chronic diseases. In particular, 41% of participants in the 70s group with obesity did not attempt to manage their body weight. Among the participants who tried to maintain or lose weight, the most commonly practiced weight control strategy was reducing the size of meals. Compared to the 50s group, the 70s group was less likely to attempt weight control. While body image was the most significant indicator of weight control attempts in the 50s group, educational level was the key factor associated with weight control in the 70s group. Our findings reflect an active investment by older Korean women in body weight management and provide insight into policy efforts that may help women with obesity maintain a healthy body weight.