Abstract Objective: To investigate weight loss expectations (Expected One-Year BMI Loss, Dream and Maximum Acceptable BMI) in obese patients seeking treatment and to examine whether expectations differ by sex, weight, diet and weight history, age, psychological factors, and primary motivations for weight loss. Research Methods and Procedures: 1,891 obese patients seeking treatment in 25 medical Italian centers (1,473 females; age, 44.7 ± 11.0 years; BMI, 38.2 ± 6.5 kg/m2) were evaluated. Diet and weight history, weight loss expectations, and primary motivation for seeking treatment (health or improving appearance) were systematically recorded. Psychiatric distress, binge eating and body image dissatisfaction were tested by self-administered questionnaires (Symptom CheckList-90, Binge Eating Scale and Body Uneasiness Test). Results: In 1,011 cases (53.4%), one-year expected BMI loss was ? 9 kg/m2. Dream BMI was 26.0 ± 3.4 kg/m2 (corresponding to a 32% loss), Maximum Acceptable BMI was 29.3 ± 4.4 kg/m2 (-23%). BMI and age were the strongest predictors of weight goals. Weight loss necessary to reach the desired targets was largely in excess of weight loss observed during previous dieting. Psychiatric distress, body dissatisfaction and binge eating did not significantly predict weight loss expectations. The primary motivation for weight loss was concern for future or present health; women seeking treatment to improve appearance had a lower grade of obesity, were younger, and had first attempted weight loss at a younger age. Discussion: Obese Italian patients have unrealistic weight loss expectations, similar to those reported by American patients. There are significant disparities between patients’ perception and physicians’ weight loss recommendation of desirable treatment outcome.

Weight loss expectations in obese patients seeking treatment at medical centers

CALUGI, SIMONA;MELCHIONDA, NAZARIO;MARCHESINI REGGIANI, GIULIO;
2004

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To investigate weight loss expectations (Expected One-Year BMI Loss, Dream and Maximum Acceptable BMI) in obese patients seeking treatment and to examine whether expectations differ by sex, weight, diet and weight history, age, psychological factors, and primary motivations for weight loss. Research Methods and Procedures: 1,891 obese patients seeking treatment in 25 medical Italian centers (1,473 females; age, 44.7 ± 11.0 years; BMI, 38.2 ± 6.5 kg/m2) were evaluated. Diet and weight history, weight loss expectations, and primary motivation for seeking treatment (health or improving appearance) were systematically recorded. Psychiatric distress, binge eating and body image dissatisfaction were tested by self-administered questionnaires (Symptom CheckList-90, Binge Eating Scale and Body Uneasiness Test). Results: In 1,011 cases (53.4%), one-year expected BMI loss was ? 9 kg/m2. Dream BMI was 26.0 ± 3.4 kg/m2 (corresponding to a 32% loss), Maximum Acceptable BMI was 29.3 ± 4.4 kg/m2 (-23%). BMI and age were the strongest predictors of weight goals. Weight loss necessary to reach the desired targets was largely in excess of weight loss observed during previous dieting. Psychiatric distress, body dissatisfaction and binge eating did not significantly predict weight loss expectations. The primary motivation for weight loss was concern for future or present health; women seeking treatment to improve appearance had a lower grade of obesity, were younger, and had first attempted weight loss at a younger age. Discussion: Obese Italian patients have unrealistic weight loss expectations, similar to those reported by American patients. There are significant disparities between patients’ perception and physicians’ weight loss recommendation of desirable treatment outcome.
2004
R Dalle Grave; S Calugi; F Magri; M Cuzzolaro; E Dall’Aglio; L Lucchin; N Melchionda; G Marchesini Reggiani; QUOVADIS Study Group
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/4556
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