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ABSTRACT
Obesity has become a global epidemic. Intentional weight loss has significant health benefits for people who are overweight and obese. This study used the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to examine influences on intentional weight loss among American adults based on an adapted version of the Social Determinants of Health framework of the World Health Organization (WHO). Binary logistic regression analyses indicated that factors such as age, marital status, race, and educational attainment were strong structural determinants of intentional weight loss regardless of intermediary factors. However, being a male reduced the likelihood of intentionally losing weight loss only after adding the intermediary determinants. Furthermore, emotional support, exercise, and drinking alcohol were all positively associated with intentional weight loss. Nonetheless, being satisfied with life reduced the odds of intentional weight loss. Providers of health services who work with obese and overweight American adults should know the relevant social determinants in the lives of their clients and patients in order to appropriately counsel them on losing weight
Declaration of interest statement
Findings reported have not been previously published. Also, the manuscript is not being simultaneously submitted elsewhere. A secondary data set was used for this study. No conflict of interest is to report. No statement on human right or welfare of animals is to report. As a secondary data set, no informed consent statement and Helsinki or comparable standard statement are to report. No IRB approval statement is to report. The authors have full control of all primary data. They agree to allow the journal to review their data if requested.