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Weight Control Practices in Civilian Dependents of Active Duty Military Personnel
Author(s) -
Bukhari Asma,
Das Sai Krupa,
Montain Scott,
McGraw Susan,
Lutz Laura,
Sepowitz John,
Niro Philip,
Young Andrew,
Roberts Susan
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.595.1
Subject(s) - weight loss , active duty , military personnel , obesity , population , medicine , gerontology , phone , weight gain , psychology , demography , body weight , environmental health , political science , law , linguistics , philosophy , sociology
Obesity is prevalent in military families, but there is little information on the attitudes, beliefs and weight challenges of this unique group. We surveyed and conducted focus groups on weight‐related issues in 32 female civilian dependents of active duty military personnel, aged 38±7.6 (mean + SD) years, and BMI 33±6. Participants reported wishing to lose 36±16% of their weight, i.e. to an ideal BMI of 24±3 kg/m2. They also defined the weight loss that they would be 'satisfied’ with as 27±14% weight (BMI of 26±4 kg/m2). Previous weight loss attempts were 4±2.5 in the past year, and reasons provided for wanting to lose weight were improving health (88%) and appearance (78%), and increasing energy level (75%). Ratings for preferred types of weight loss help were reading educational articles (100%), receiving professional help (94%), support group participation (91%), healthy food samples (84%), cooking classes (78%), emails (75%), web tools (69%), social media (66%), and phone calls (22%). Weight loss strategies used in previous diets included exercise (75%), self‐made plan (59%), counting calories (59%), weight loss programs (25%), and skipping meals (19%). Deployment of partner and frequent moves were identified as additional barriers that are unique to this population. Obese civilian dependents of military personnel perceive lifestyle challenges that are characteristic in military families, but are motivated to lose weight and broadly receptive to a wide range of approaches. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect official policy of the Departments of the Army, Defense, or the U.S. Government.