Jessica Y Breland1, Michele L Patel1,2, Jessie J Wong1,3, Katherine J Hoggatt4,5. 1. Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (MPD-152), Menlo Park, CA 94025. 2. Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, 417 Chapel Dr., Durham, NC 27708. 3. Center for Health Policy/Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, 616 Serra Mall C100, Stanford, CA 94305-6055. 4. VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073. 5. Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: People who do not perceive themselves as overweight or obese are less likely to use weight loss treatments. However, little is known about weight perceptions and their association with weight loss attempts among people who have served in the military. They represent a special population with regard to weight perceptions as military personnel must meet strict weight standards to remain in military service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from the U.S.-based 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, we fit logistic regression models to determine whether people with overweight or obesity were: (1) more or less likely to underestimate their weight if they reported military service and (2) less likely to attempt weight loss if they underestimated their weight (stratifying by military status). Estimates were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, including objective weight class, gender, age, race/ethnicity, income ratio, comorbidities, and education. This work received exempt status from the Stanford University institutional review board. RESULTS: Among 6,776 participants, those reporting military service had higher odds of underestimating their weight compared to those not reporting military service [OR (odds ratio): 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 1.79]. Underestimating weight was associated with lower odds of attempting weight loss among those reporting military service (OR: 0.20; CI: 0.11, 0.36) and those not reporting military service (OR: 0.27; CI: 0.22, 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: This study offers the new finding that underestimating weight is more likely among people reporting military service compared to those not reporting military service. Findings are consistent with past work demonstrating that underestimating weight is associated with a lower likelihood of pursuing weight loss. To combat weight misperceptions, clinicians may need to spend additional time discussing weight-related perceptions and beliefs with patients. The present findings suggest such conversations may be especially important for people reporting military service. Future research should be designed to understand the effects of correcting weight misperceptions. This work would advance the science of weight management and offer ways to increase weight loss treatment engagement, prevent chronic conditions, and improve health outcomes, especially among people reporting military service. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2019. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.
INTRODUCTION:People who do not perceive themselves as overweight or obese are less likely to use weight loss treatments. However, little is known about weight perceptions and their association with weight loss attempts among people who have served in the military. They represent a special population with regard to weight perceptions as military personnel must meet strict weight standards to remain in military service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from the U.S.-based 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, we fit logistic regression models to determine whether people with overweight or obesity were: (1) more or less likely to underestimate their weight if they reported military service and (2) less likely to attempt weight loss if they underestimated their weight (stratifying by military status). Estimates were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, including objective weight class, gender, age, race/ethnicity, income ratio, comorbidities, and education. This work received exempt status from the Stanford University institutional review board. RESULTS: Among 6,776 participants, those reporting military service had higher odds of underestimating their weight compared to those not reporting military service [OR (odds ratio): 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 1.79]. Underestimating weight was associated with lower odds of attempting weight loss among those reporting military service (OR: 0.20; CI: 0.11, 0.36) and those not reporting military service (OR: 0.27; CI: 0.22, 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: This study offers the new finding that underestimating weight is more likely among people reporting military service compared to those not reporting military service. Findings are consistent with past work demonstrating that underestimating weight is associated with a lower likelihood of pursuing weight loss. To combat weight misperceptions, clinicians may need to spend additional time discussing weight-related perceptions and beliefs with patients. The present findings suggest such conversations may be especially important for people reporting military service. Future research should be designed to understand the effects of correcting weight misperceptions. This work would advance the science of weight management and offer ways to increase weight loss treatment engagement, prevent chronic conditions, and improve health outcomes, especially among people reporting military service. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2019. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.
Authors: Jessica Y Breland; Ciaran S Phibbs; Katherine J Hoggatt; Donna L Washington; Jimmy Lee; Sally Haskell; Uchenna S Uchendu; Fay S Saechao; Laurie C Zephyrin; Susan M Frayne Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2017-04 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Paula C Chandler-Laney; Gary R Hunter; Jamy D Ard; David W Brock; Barbara A Gower; Jane L Roy Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2009-07 Impact factor: 4.267
Authors: Timothy M Dall; Yiduo Zhang; Yaozhu J Chen; Rachel C Askarinam Wagner; Paul F Hogan; Nancy K Fagan; Samuel T Olaiya; David N Tornberg Journal: Am J Health Promot Date: 2007 Nov-Dec
Authors: Ranil Jayawardena; Nuala M Byrne; Mario J Soares; Prasad Katulanda; Andrew P Hills Journal: Obes Res Clin Pract Date: 2014 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 2.288