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Weight loss expectations and body dissatisfaction in young and older obese women attempting to lose weight

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 August 2013

E. Evans ,
J. Lara ,
E. Muscariello ,
B. C. M. Stephan ,
L. Petagna ,
G. Nasti ,
A. Colantuoni  and
M. Siervo
E. Evans
Affiliation:
Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle on Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK.
E. Muscariello
Affiliation:
Human Nutrition and Physiology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, via Pansini 5, 80134, Naples, Italy
B. C. M. Stephan
Affiliation:
Institute for Health and Society, Newcastle University, Baddiley-Clark, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK
L. Petagna
Affiliation:
Human Nutrition and Physiology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, via Pansini 5, 80134, Naples, Italy
G. Nasti
Affiliation:
Human Nutrition and Physiology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, via Pansini 5, 80134, Naples, Italy
A. Colantuoni
Affiliation:
Human Nutrition and Physiology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples, via Pansini 5, 80134, Naples, Italy
M. Siervo
Affiliation:
Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle on Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK.
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Abstract

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Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 72 , Issue OCE4: Summer Meeting, 15–18 July 2013, Nutrition and healthy ageing , 2013 , E305
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2013 

Unrealistic weight loss expectations (WLEs) have been linked to greater treatment attrition rates and worse long-term weight loss (WL) outcomes in young and middle-aged obese subjects. We aim to investigate 1) the link between WLEs and body image dissatisfaction in young and older obese women attempting to lose weight; 2) the relationship between WLEs, current body weight and recommended WL targets (5%, 10% and 20% of baseline body weight).

Twenty-six young age (mean=23.3; sd=6.0 years), with a mean body weight of 81.7 (sd=9.3) kg, and mean BMI of 32.5 (sd 2.0) kg/m2; and thirty-three older age (Mean=65.7, sd=4.2 years), with a mean body weight of 81.7 (sd 8.3) kg, and mean BMI of 35.0 (sd3.4) kg/m2 obese women were recruited. Eating behaviour was assessed using the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26)( Reference Garner, Olmsted, Bohr and Garfinkel 1 ). The body dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI_BD)( Reference Garner, Olmstead and Polivy 2 ) and the Body Image Assessment for Obesity( Reference Williamson, Womble, Zucker, Reas, White and Blouin 3 ) were used to assess body image concern. WLEs were categorised according to personal, lifestyle and social factors.

The two groups were matched for body weight (p>0.05). Older women identified a significantly larger current (p<0.001) and ideal (p<0.001) body size than younger women. Young women reported significantly greater levels of dieting (p<0.001), bulimia (p<0.001) and oral control (p<0.001). The largest WLEs were perceived as coming from the mass media in young women, and the achievement of career success in older women. Young women with lower expected ‘happy’ (p=0.003), ‘reasonable’ (p=0.004) and ‘fitness’ (p=0006) body weights had higher levels of bulimic symptoms, whilst older women did not.

The association between body size and WLEs in obese women was modified by age. The attitudinal constructs underlying these differences may be useful in clinical practice to improve WL outcomes.

References

1. Garner, DM, Olmsted, MP, Bohr, Y, Garfinkel, PE (1982) The eating attitudes test: psychometric features and clinical correlates. Psychol Med 12, 871–878.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
2. Garner, DM, Olmstead, M, Polivy, J (1983) Development and validation of a multidimensional eating disorder inventory for anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Int J Eating Dis 2, 15–34.3.0.CO;2-6>CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3. Williamson, DA, Womble, LG, Zucker, NL, Reas, DL, White, MA, Blouin, DC et al. (2000) Body image assessment for obesity (BIA-O): development of a new procedure. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 24, 1326–1332.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed