Weight-loss practices of overweight adults
Article Abstract:
Obesity is a national health problem that is associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Many studies have examined the prevalence of obesity in American adults and have reported that the incidence of obesity is twice as high among black women than among white women. It is not known why obesity is more common in black women, but it has been suggested that social and economic factors, dietary habits, number of births, genetic factors, self-perception of overweight, and weight-loss practices may be responsible. To determine if weight-loss practices varied by sex or race, a survey of the dietary habits and weight-loss practices of overweight adults was performed. The survey included a total of 112,108 respondents from 21 different states across the US. Overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI, a measure of obesity calculated as body weight in kilograms divided by height measured in square meters, kg/m2) greater than 27. Four different weight-loss practices were identified: increased physical activity, eating fewer calories, increased activity and eating fewer calories, and no attempt to loose weight. The percent of black women who were overweight was twice as high as the percentage of white women who were overweight. The most common weight-loss practice among white women (33 percent) and black women (32 percent) was increased physical activity and eating fewer calories. The percent of black and white men who were overweight was similar. Fifty-five percent of the black men and 49 percent of the white men who were overweight reported that they were not trying to loose weight. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1991
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Body fat, coronary heart disease, and stroke in Japanese men
Article Abstract:
Obesity has been associated with an increased risk for developing high blood pressure and high blood levels of sugar (glucose) and cholesterol. These conditions are known to be related to the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the exact relationship between obesity and CHD is not clear. Few studies have examined this relationship in US minority populations. To determine if obesity actually increases the risk of developing CHD, 8,006 Japanese men who participated in the Honolulu Heart Program (1965-1968) were examined during a 20-year follow-up study. Body weight, height, blood pressure, and blood levels of glucose and cholesterol were measured during the initial study period and 20 years later. Out of the original group, 7,585 were available for follow-up. Body mass index (BMI, body weight in kilograms divided by height measured in square meters, kg/m2) and skinfold thickness were used as measures of obesity. The results show that the risk of developing CHD increases as the BMI increases, but there was no relationship between BMI and the risk of stroke. However, the risk of CHD and stroke were related to the subscapular skinfold thickness (the thickness of the skin located just beneath the shoulder blades). The risk of developing CHD increased with increasing obesity in men with high and normal blood pressure, and in men with diabetes. It is concluded that lifestyles that lead to an increase in obesity may increase the risk for developing CHD among Japanese men. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1991
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