Overweight, obesity, and weight-loss practices in the adult population

Abstract

Despite the efforts of a portion of the overweight and obese population to reduce excess body weight, the prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to rise. Individuals employ various strategies to achieve weight reduction, many of which lack scientific validation regarding their efficacy. This study aimed to identify and analyze the most frequently adopted practices for weight reduction among adults. A total of 166 adults aged between 18 and 60 years of both sexes participated in the study. The participants completed a questionnaire comprising items related to socio-demographic characteristics, body weight variation over the past year, strategies employed for weight reduction, frequency of strategy use, physical activity habits, among other variables. The questionnaire was disseminated via social media platforms and completed online using Google Forms. The data revealed that 43.7% of participants were classified as obese (body mass index > 30 Kg/m²). Additionally, 63.3% reported weight gain ranging from 1 kg to more than 5 kg over the past year. The same proportion (63.3%) indicated engaging in physical exercise, while 31.3% reported following a calorie-restricted diet. In conclusion, approximately two-thirds of the adult population experienced an increase in body weight, even among those who reported engaging in physical exercise. One-third of participants adopted a calorie-restricted diet, and a significant portion recognized the combination of dietary restriction and physical exercise as the most effective strategy for reducing excess body weight.