Romy Lauche1, Nicholas R Fuller2, Holger Cramer3, Jon Wardle4, David Sibbritt4, Jon Adams4. 1. Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: romy.lauche@uts.edu.au. 2. The Boden Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. 3. Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. 4. Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether the use of complementary medicine (CM) is associated with body satisfaction and weight management methods in Australian women. METHODS: Women aged 34-39 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were surveyed regarding satisfaction with their body weight and shape, and the use of weight management methods. Associations with CM use were analysed using logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: Women using CM less likely wanted to lose weight; and were more likely to cut down on fats and/or sugars, use low glycaemic diets, diet books and 'other' methods (OR: 1.33-2.83) compared to CM non-users. Women using herbal medicine products 'sometimes' were more likely to use meal replacements/slimming products (OR: 1.50-1.67) compared to non-users. DISCUSSION: Australian women using CM are more likely to be satisfied with their body weight and shape, and to use a range of weight management approaches compared to CM non-users.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether the use of complementary medicine (CM) is associated with body satisfaction and weight management methods in Australian women. METHODS:Women aged 34-39 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were surveyed regarding satisfaction with their body weight and shape, and the use of weight management methods. Associations with CM use were analysed using logistic regression modelling. RESULTS:Women using CM less likely wanted to lose weight; and were more likely to cut down on fats and/or sugars, use low glycaemic diets, diet books and 'other' methods (OR: 1.33-2.83) compared to CM non-users. Women using herbal medicine products 'sometimes' were more likely to use meal replacements/slimming products (OR: 1.50-1.67) compared to non-users. DISCUSSION: Australian women using CM are more likely to be satisfied with their body weight and shape, and to use a range of weight management approaches compared to CM non-users.