Weight loss efforts of women living in the Yukon

For many women, body weight is a health concern both in relation to physical health and to social and psychological health. Both overweight and underweight are associated with increased risks to health. Furthermore, the literature largely supports the view that sociological and psychological factors influence a woman's perception of weight and body image. In the Western world, weight loss efforts among women are high, and even those who are within or below the healthy weight range are trying to lose weight. Relatively little is known about weight loss efforts among Yukon women.. Moreover, it is not known whether societal pressures surrounding weight are similar in the Yukon and the rest of Canada. For reasons related mainly to its northern geographical location and culture, and because of the health implications related to women's weight issues, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Yukon women trying to lose weight; to determine the weight loss practices of Yukon women; and to compare the characteristics of women who are trying to lose weight vs. those who are not; women who are satisfied with their weight vs. those who are not; and women who are at health risk due to overweight or underweight vs. those with healthy weights. Data for a representative sample of non-pregnant, non-institutionalized women > 15 years of age (n=711) were obtained from the population-based 1993 Yukon Health Promotion Survey. Those living in the census unorganized portions of the Yukon were not included in the sample. The prevalence of weight loss efforts in the Yukon (51.8%) was higher than the published value for women in the rest of Canada (39%). Among Yukon women with body mass index (BMI) values classified as overweight, possible overweight, healthy weight, and underweight, 80%, 67%, 46%, and 9%, respectively, were trying to lose weight. The corresponding values for the rest of Canada are lower. The most frequent weight loss practices were dieting (35.8%), changing diet and exercise (26.1%), and sensible eating (17.2%). Compared to women not trying to lose weight, women trying to lose weight were younger (35.8 ± 13.2 vs 38.6 ± 15.0 yr, P<0.01), were more likely to be employed (71.6% vs 64%, P<0.05), had higher BMI values (25.7 ± 4.1 vs 22.3 ± 3.9 kg/m2, P<0.0001), and were more likely to be dissatisfied with their current weight (88.5% vs 35.6%, P<0.0001). Both groups reported similar food consumption and activity patterns, yet women trying to lose weight had more positive nutrition behaviours and health knowledge. The mean eating knowledge index (EKI) score was significantly higher (2.36 ± 2.89) for women trying to lose weight than for women not trying to lose weight (1.75 ± 3.44). Similarly, the mean eating behaviour index (EBI) score was higher (4.19 ± 3.83 vs. 3.46 ± 4.94, respectively). Weight loss efforts did not appear to be related to the Yukon environment since neither First Nations status nor length of residence in the Yukon varied for women trying to lose weight and women not trying to lose weight. Yukon women who were overweight were less likely to live in Whitehorse, were older, were more likely to be poor, and were less likely to engage in vigorous physical activity three or more times per week compared to those with healthy weights; however, their food consumption patterns and nutrition knowledge and behaviour scores did not differ. Overweight women expressed less satisfaction with their quality of life and with their physical health and social relationships. Yukon women who were underweight were more likely to be poor and to find it difficult to afford the basic necessities and less likely to indicate they were eating well enough to maintain good health compared to healthy weight women. Both groups had similar activity patterns and food consumption patterns; yet, underweight women had lower scores for nutrition knowledge and behaviour (EKI: 1.03 ± 2.97 vs. 2.38 ± 3.24; EBI: 2.68 ± 4.71 vs. 4.07 i 4.51). Underweight women and healthy weight women rated their quality of life similarly. Based on this study, it appears that many Yukon women, regardless of weight status, are engaging in weight loss efforts. Furthermore, the goal of losing weight, rather than relative weight status, seems to be an important motive for healthy eating and for seeking health knowledge. Being physically active in the Yukon appears to be influenced by time of year and other barriers. Self-ratings of health were associated with engaging in weight loss efforts and with relative weight status. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that weight loss efforts of Yukon women are similar to those of the dominant Western society. In view of the findings of this study, health promotion messages should incorporate healthy eating, regular physical activity, and the concept of healthy weight and positive body image to deter weight loss efforts among women who do not need to lose weight. Tailored approaches which consider the different characteristics of the groups in this study may prove to be useful.

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