Data on obesity published by H.B. Fagan and colleagues
December 29th, 2008
2008 DEC 29 -- According to recent research published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, "Insight into adolescents' weight-loss behavior is needed. Survey data were obtained from overweight and obese adolescents in the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey (YRBS) in Delaware."
"Cross tabulations were used to determine the frequency of accurate perception, recent action, and current intention regarding weight loss. Multivariable analysis identified factors associated with recent action to lose weight. From 2728 records, 482 overweight adolescents and 398 obese adolescents were identified. Most obese (83%) and overweight (79%) adolescents reported recent action to lose weight. Most obese (75%) and overweight (65%) adolescents intended to lose weight. Obese and overweight adolescents who reported a current intention to lose weight were more likely to have taken recent action to lose weight (odds ratio [OR], 11.6 and 6.6, respectively). The percentage of obese and overweight adolescents who have an accurate perception of weight, intend to lose weight, and have taken recent action to lose weight suggests that this group is highly engaged in weight-related behavior change. Compared with their obese peers, overweight adolescents seem less engaged in weight change behavior," wrote H.B. Fagan and colleagues.
The researchers concluded: "There is a strong association in both groups between intention and recent action, and this association indicates that obese and overweight adolescents are highly motivated to change their weight. (J Am Board Fam Med 2008; 21:555-61.)'."
Fagan and colleagues published their study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (Perception, Intention, and Action in Adolescent Obesity. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 2008;21(6):555-561).
For additional information, contact H.B. Fagan, Christiana Care Health Systems, Dept. of Family & Community Medical, Health Service Research, 1400 N Washington St., Wilmington Annex, 3rd Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA.
The publisher's contact information for the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine is: American Board Family Medicine, 2228 Young Dr., Lexington, KY 40505, USA.
Keywords: United States, Wilmington, Bariatrics, Behavior, Obesity, Weight Loss.
This article was prepared by Obesity & Diabetes Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Obesity & Diabetes Week via NewsRx.com.
