Dieting habits of men

Abstract

Introduction: There is little research involving the US male population with regard to weight-control and behavior that may affect their weight status. Gender-specific weight-control programs for men aren't the standard. Aims: The primary aim of this study was to survey dieting and health habits of an adult male employee population. The secondary aim was to determine if the population would be interested in a male-specific weight-control program. Methods: A 50-question web-based Qualtrics® survey was posted October 2 nd - 30th , 2014. A convenience sample was taken. Excluded were men who had not attempted to diet in the past and those under age 18. Results: Participants numbered 254 males. Sources of nutrition knowledge pertaining to diets ranged from a high of web sites (n=163, 71.2%) to a low of registered dietitians (n=24, 10.5%). Of those who reported restricting at least one-macronutrient 47%, n=119) restrictions were carbohydrates 77% (n=92), fats 40% (n=47) and protein 19% (n=22). Data were collapsed into age groups for some analyses such as dieting methods. The over 30 age group was more likely to have: decreased amount of food intake (χ2 = 12.03, n=185 p= .001), reduced overall calories (χ2 = 3.95, n=163, p= .047), skipped meals (χ2= 7.70, n=55, p= .006) or tried programs such as Weight-Watchers(TM), Jenny Craig(TM) , etc. (χ2= 6.40, n=30 p= .011). There was nothing of significance for those under 30. Among all respondents, interest in a gender-specific weight-loss program was compared with the following variables: satisfaction with current weight (χ2 = 6.89, n=252, p= .032), education (three groups) (χ2=9.76, n=251, p= .008), income (χ2=14.56, n=245, p=. 006) and BMI (χ2=11.17, n=252, p= .004). Applying the Mann-Whitney U test to compare weight satisfaction (1-5) values between those interested/not interested in a weight-loss program for men, the two age groups gave (5863.5, p= .019), weight satisfaction (5625, p= .005), three levels of education (5525.5, p= .002), BMI (5678.5, p= .005) and income (5599, p= .034). Conclusion: Further research addressing dissatisfaction with BMI may lead to development of gender-specific programs that could result in safe and effective weight-control programs for men possibly decreasing prevalence of male obesity.