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- Title
Differences in motivations and weight loss behaviors in young adults and older adults in the national weight control registry.
- Authors
LaRose, Jessica Gokee; Leahey, Tricia M.; Hill, James O.; Wing, Rena R.
- Abstract
Objective: The goal of this study was to compare young adults (YA) and older adults (OA) in the National Weight Control Registry on motivations for weight loss and weight-loss behaviors. Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 2,964, 82% female, 94% White, BMI = 24.8 ± 4.4) were divided into two age groups (18-35 vs. 36-50) and compared on motivations, strategies for weight loss, diet, physical activity (PA), and the three-factor eating questionnaire. Results: YA were 28.6% of the sample ( n = 848). YA and OA achieved similar weight losses ( P = 0.38), but duration of maintenance was less in YA (43 vs. 58 months, P < 0.001). YA were more likely to cite appearance and social motivations for weight loss, were less motivated by health, and were less likely to report a medical trigger for weight loss ( P's < 0.001). YA were more likely to use exercise classes and to lose weight on their own, and less likely to use a commercial program ( P's < 0.001). YA reported engaging in more high-intensity PA ( P = 0.001). There were no group differences in total calories consumed ( P = 0.47), or percent calories from fat ( P = 0.97), alcohol ( P = 0.52), or sugar-sweetened beverages ( P = 0.26). Conclusions: YA successful weight losers (SWL) are motivated more by appearance and social influences than OA, and physical activity appears to play an important role in their weight-loss efforts. The differences reported by YA and OA SWL should be considered when developing weight-loss programs for YA.
- Subjects
MOTIVATION (Psychology); WEIGHT loss; HEALTH behavior; YOUNG adults; OLDER people
- Publication
Obesity (19307381), 2013, Vol 21, Issue 3, p449
- ISSN
1930-7381
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/oby.20053