Fewer overweight adults report trying to lose weight
Socially acceptable body weight is increasing. If more individuals who are overweight or obese are satisfied with their weight, fewer might be motivated to lose unhealthy weight. Jian Zhang, M.D., Dr.P.H., of Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, and colleagues used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to assess the trend in the percentage of adults who were overweight or obese and trying to lose weight during three periods: from 1988-1994, 1999-2004, and 2009-2014. Participants ages 20 to 59 years who were overweight (a body mass index [BMI] of 25 to less than 30) or obese (BMI 30 or greater) were included. The question of interest was "During the past 12 months, have you tried to lose weight?" The study included 27,350 adults. Overweight and obesity prevalence increased throughout the study period, from 53 percent in 1988-1994 to 66 percent in 2009-2014. The percentages of adults who were overweight or obese and trying to lose weigh...