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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/3806 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Guillen, Eileen Ochangco |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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