Weight loss intention, dietary behaviors, and barriers to dietary change in veterans with lower extremity amputations

• Published in: Disability and health journal 2015-07, Vol.8 (3), p.325-335
• Main Authors: Littman, A.J., Ph.D, McFarland, L.V., Ph.D, Thompson, M.L., Ph.D, Bouldin, E.D., M.P.H, Arterburn, D.E., M.D, Majerczyk, B.R., M.P.H, Boyko, E.J., M.D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age Factors; Aged; Amputation; Body Mass Index; Diet; Disabled Persons; Feeding Behavior; Female; Health; Humans; Intention; Internal Medicine; Lower Extremity; Lower extremity amputation; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Obesity - complications; Obesity - diet therapy; Obesity - epidemiology; Veterans; Weight Loss; Weight Reduction Programs
• ISSN: 1936-6574; 1876-7583
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2014.10.003

Abstract Background Obesity is thought to be highly prevalent in persons with lower extremity amputations (LEAs) and can impair physical and social functioning. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of weight loss intention, weight loss strategies, dietary patterns, and barriers to making dietary changes, and their associations with body mass index (BMI, kg/m2 ), amputation characteristics, health status, and socioeconomic factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study ( n  = 150) using data from a self-administered questionnaire. Results 43% of participants were obese and 48% were trying to lose weight; 83% of those trying to lose weight reported trying to “eat differently”, but only 7% were following a comprehensive weight loss program involving dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral counseling. 21% of participants reported ≥6 barriers to changing their eating habits (e.g., habit, too little money, stress/depression). Obesity was associated with younger age, lower physical health scores, hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes. Compared to those not trying to lose weight, a greater proportion of those trying to lose weight had a BMI ≥35 kg/m2 , age