Do sex differences in reported weight loss intentions and behaviours persist across demographic characteristics and weight status in youth? A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence suggests that young females are more likely to try to lose weight than young males, however whether this sex difference persists across demographic characteristics and weight status is unclear. Further, whether females are more likely than males to try to lose weight using unhealthy weight loss strategies has never been systematically assessed. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the literature on sex differences in weight loss intentions and strategies in children and adolescent observational studies to determine whether sex differences persisted across demographic characteristics (race/ethnicity, grade level) and weight status.MethodsRelevant articles published after 1990 were identified using PubMED, Web of Science, and PsycInfo. Searches were conducted in May of 2015 and again in May of 2017. Studies conducted in the US and Canada with participants 18-years old or younger who measured weight loss strategies in the context of weight loss intention were selected. Descriptive statistics were extracted from 19 studies.ResultsAlmost two-thirds of youth reported trying to lose weight. High-school and middle-school aged females reported consistently higher prevalence of weight loss intentions compared to male counterparts, as did Caucasian, African-American, and Hispanic females. The proportion of youth using unhealthy or extreme strategies reached 44 and 13%, respectively, with a similar proportion of males and females endorsing the use of each category of weight loss strategies across studies. Native-American youth reported the highest prevalence (27%) of using extreme strategies.ConclusionsResearchers should consider demographic characteristics when reporting prevalence information for weight loss intentions and behaviours, as certain groups might require more targeted public health initiatives. Across characteristics, prevalence ranges were broad for weight loss intentions and use of particular strategies, suggesting the need to standardize and refine data collection and reporting practices in this literature.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6179-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Sex differences in response to lifestyle intervention among children and adolescents: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Male adults not only lose weight faster but tend to lose more weight than their female counterparts [78][79][80][81][82]. These differences may be explained by distinct motivations, individual preferences, and cultural norms to engage in specific health behaviors such as PA [83] or dieting [84], which are evident among youth. In one study, female adolescents reported less PA and engaged in shorter durations of activity than male adolescents [85], with a higher exercise dose potentially resulting in greater weight loss [86].…”

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Weight Loss Behaviors Among US College Students

“…In the present sample, female students were more likely than male students to engage in all types of weight control behaviors, which in consistent with previous reports. 41 , 42 This result may be attributed to the fact that women are more likely to experience weight stigma and face greater pressure to conform to the thin ideal. 40 However, men should not be overlooked in eating disorder research, as eating disorders and unhealthy weight loss practices among men are likely underdiagnosed, despite the fact that their prevalence continues to rise.…”

“…40 Notably, similar proportions of both sexes use various weight loss strategies, with diet and exercise being the most prevalent among both women and men. 41 , 42 However, weight loss behaviors remain understudied in men. 41 …”

Trends in weight loss attempts among children in England

“…Our findings of the relationships between weight loss attempts and sociodemographic characteristics are generally consistent with those previously reported. For example, it has been reported that the prevalence of self-reported dieting is higher in older children14 16 and girls12 17 18 compared with younger children or boys. Although we found the absolute prevalence was constantly higher among girls, we found a significant increase in weight loss attempts over time among boys from both age groups but not in girls.…”