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Why lose weight? Reasons for seeking weight loss by overweight but otherwise healthy men

International Journal of Obesity volume 26, pages 880–882 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: To identify the reasons for seeking weight loss in overweight or obese but otherwise healthy men.

Design: Interviews, prior to intervention, with subjects who had volunteered to participate in a work-site-based weight loss study.

Subjects: Ninety-one overweight/obese male workers. Mean age 41, range 18–55 y, mean body mass index (BMI) 31.0, range 26.2–41.6 kg/m2.

Measurements: Anthropometric measurements; body weight and height. Body mass index calculated. A short interview using open questions to determine the individuals reason for seeking weight loss.

Results: The message that weight loss is beneficial to health for the overweight was recognized by all subjects regardless of BMI, and was reported as the main factor for attempting weight loss. Improved fitness and effects on appearance and well-being were reported half as often as the primary reason for weight loss.

Conclusion: Overweight lay members of the public have accepted the health education message that weight loss can improve health. Overweight but otherwise healthy men who responded, of their own accord, to an electronic mail message offering help to lose weight did not regard obesity and overweight as primarily a cosmetic issue. This is still, however, important, especially to younger people.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Meat and Livestock Commission. The authors acknowledge BP Grangemouth for allowing their employees to participate in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Nutrition, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK

    CR Hankey, WS Leslie & MEJ Lean

Authors
  1. CR Hankey
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  2. WS Leslie
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  3. MEJ Lean
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to CR Hankey.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Electronic mail message circulated to all employees inviting participation in the weight loss study

Weight loss at work

Thinking of those summer holidays

Long lazy days on the beach or sipping cocktails by the pool

Why not let us help you enjoy it even more!

Weight loss at work can help you lose those extra inches!

In conjunction with the University of Glasgow Department of Human Nutrition's research study Occupational Health want to improve the general health of BP employees.

120 recruits needed, so please volunteer to help us to help you!

This service offers nutritional expertise and counselling to those who would like to shed those extra pounds.

Contact us NOW by e-mail at Weight Loss at Work.

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Hankey, C., Leslie, W. & Lean, M. Why lose weight? Reasons for seeking weight loss by overweight but otherwise healthy men. Int J Obes 26, 880–882 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801999

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